Natasha VandenHoven

Natasha vandenHoven stands at the helm of the Pensions & Benefits Group as a partner, delving deep into issues spanning statutory and government plans, governance, fiduciary duties, investment and administrative queries, trust operations, and compliance frameworks. She is particularly adept at navigating pensions and benefits complexities within corporate transactions, agreements involving creditors and debtors, and bankruptcy and insolvency situations.

With a wealth of experience in executive compensation, Natasha consults on a spectrum of matters from equity and non-equity based rewards, supplementary retirement setups, to bonus schemes. She is noted for her proficiency in devising de-risking strategies, particularly through intricate annuity buy-in and buy-out transactions, including securing regulatory discharges. Moreover, her counsel extends to regulatory compliance and investment structuring.

Her authority in the field is acknowledged by Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and The Best Lawyers in Canada.

Engaging extensively in the literary realm on topics related to pensions, benefits, and executive compensation, Natasha is a sought-after speaker at both Canadian and global forums. Her professional affiliations include the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association, Law Society of Ontario, Association of Canadian Pension Management, and the International Pension & Employee Benefits Lawyers Association. Previously, she has held executive roles within the Ontario Bar Association's Pensions and Benefits Section.

Natasha's trajectory in the pensions and benefits landscape includes a pivotal role as Senior Policy Consultant of Pension Initiatives at the Ministry of Finance, augmenting her practical experience with policy insight. Before this, she contributed to the Ontario Government's formulation of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, following a period in private practice and a stint as a pension analyst with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

She also brought her expertise to the corporate sector as Senior Vice President, Research, Human Resources, and Corporate Counsel at a premier global human capital and management consulting firm.

Her educational credentials include an LL.B. from McGill University and an Honours B.A. from the University of Windsor, with her legal practice commencing in Ontario in 1992.

Notable recent contributions include advising HSBC Holdings plc in the C$13.5 billion divestiture of HSBC Bank Canada, assisting Instant Brands Inc. in their reorganization under Chapter 11 and the CCAA, and guiding the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario in launching its C$7 billion Private Equity Pool Fund.