VALLEY FORGE, PA — Vanguard ranked third for website experience and fourth for mobile app experience among 17 retirement plan providers in J.D. Power’s 2026 study, putting both of its digital channels above industry averages as retirement savers increasingly manage accounts online.
Vanguard scored above the industry average across all four areas measured in the J.D. Power U.S. Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study: design, system performance, tools and capabilities, and information and content.
The study surveyed more than 6,500 retirement plan participants between May and July 2026. Satisfaction was measured on a 1,000-point scale.
The rankings follow a series of changes Vanguard made to its participant-facing technology over the past year, including tools intended to show how contribution changes could affect retirement outcomes and features connecting financial decisions with longer-term goals.
The Valley Forge-based investment manager also added mobile check deposit for consolidating assets within a participant’s retirement plan and expanded information showing balances by tax source.
Other changes include personalized educational videos and simplified access for participants with non-qualified plans.
“We’re encouraged by our ranking and the progress we’ve made in enhancing the digital experience for the participants we serve,” Lauren Valente, managing director of Vanguard Workplace Solutions, said.
Vanguard is also incorporating artificial intelligence into its digital services, according to Amber Brestowski, head of Participant Financial Success.
“Digital experiences play a critical role in helping retirement savers take action and stay on track to achieve stronger outcomes,” Brestowski said. “By combining intuitive technology, including AI-powered capabilities, with a longstanding focus on investor outcomes, we are committed to enhancing our digital offerings to help participants save, plan, and prepare for retirement.”
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