The judges selected VBV as the winner because it delivers a meaningful step change for Austria’s second-pillar pension landscape through its outstanding leadership in innovation, market growth and customer-focused digital transformation in occupational pensions. The entry demonstrates clear, well-structured thinking and strong content, supported by notable advances in digitalisation, including streamlined onboarding, the ‘Meine VBV’ online portal and forthcoming integration with banking apps. The portal now serves over 1.4 million users, making it one of the industry’s most comprehensive online services. These innovations greatly enhance transparency and user engagement, making Austria’s second-pillar pension system more visible and intuitive. VBV also impressed with its automatic life-cycle investment option, addressing long-standing issues of members remaining under-risked. Coupled with robust ESG integration, governance via a Sustainability Board, and continued product development, VBV’s submission displays leadership, relevance and practical impact – key reasons for its high score and ultimate win.