I have over 20 years’ experience advising occupational pension scheme trustees and employers on their DB and DC pension arrangements. My broad practice encompasses interpretation and application of scheme documentation, mergers and demergers, scheme funding, risk transfers, end game planning and generally helping both trustees and employers to navigate their way through the increasing maze of pension regulation and legislation.

I act as lead partner for several of the firm’s largest clients, including those in the financial services, logistics and energy sectors. I also advise employers on the pensions aspects of acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations.

As the firm’s senior partner I am responsible for representing and championing Sackers to clients, advisers and the wider industry. I also provide leadership and guidance within the firm.

Recent experience

• advising the Trustee of a large financial services pension scheme on the largest ever bulk annuity transaction, insuring a total of c.£6.5bn of liabilities and covering the pensions of 40,000 members
• advising the Trustee of a £6bn hybrid, sectionalised scheme on the segregation of the scheme, closure to DB accrual, and a consolidation of the DB and DC rules
• advising the trustees of a £10bn+ hybrid scheme on a buy-in, a transfer of DC and DB administration, and a rules consolidation

Qualified: 2001

Joined Sackers: 2004

Became partner: 2008

Testimonials

“David is excellent, has vast experience, is highly commercial and very solution-focused. He is expert at filtering a myriad of issues to focus his clients on key issues” – Chambers UK

“The support we get from our main point of contact, David Saunders, is first-class. David’s client service and general level of service is very strong.” – Chambers UK

“David is an exceptional individual who provides a superb customer-focused service” – Chambers UK

“David adds value in any meetings he attends, challenges views when appropriate and summarises things succinctly. He provides a high-quality service and helps the trustees in their objective to achieve best practice.” – Chambers UK

“David Saunders is respected by all the fund trustees for his sector knowledge, sound business advice and common sense approach. It is the last quality that makes him different from others in the sector in my experience” – Legal 500