The Avalanche Foundation announced today it has appointed Lord Chris Holmes of Richmond MBE to its Board of Directors. A Member of the UK House of Lords and a long-standing advocate for responsible technology policy, Lord Holmes brings expertise in governance, innovation, and regulatory engagement. 

“We are honored to welcome Lord Holmes to the Avalanche Foundation’s Board,” said Nicolas Lemaitre, Director of the Avalanche Foundation. “As blockchain adoption accelerates globally, his guidance will be invaluable in ensuring Avalanche continues to set the standard for openness, accessibility, and trust in the digital economy.”

With his deep experience bridging policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders, Lord Holmes will help the Foundation advance constructive global regulatory engagement and broaden adoption of blockchain solutions. His expertise will also support the Foundation in fostering greater accessibility, trust, and real-world impact across the Avalanche ecosystem.

Lord Holmes has played a pivotal role in advancing UK legislation around emerging technologies. He was integral to the passage of the Electronic Trade Documents Bill, which updated centuries-old trade laws by giving digital documents enabled through new technologies such as blockchain, the same legal status as paper ones. He has also introduced Private Members’ Bills on AI regulation and the banning of unpaid work experience.

Additionally, he co-authored the House of Lords Select Committee reports on Democracy and Digital Technologies, AI, and Digital Skills. Independently, he published an influential report encouraging government testing of blockchain solutions for policy delivery: DLT for Public Good: Leadership, Collaboration, and Innovation. Lord Holmes also serves as an advisor to several technology and fintech companies.

His work in Parliament and advocacy for inclusion, accessibility, and transparency aligns with the Avalanche Foundation’s mission to build a more open and responsible digital economy.

“Inclusion is fundamental to innovation,” Lord Holmes noted. “Without diverse voices and perspectives, the potential of blockchain and related technologies cannot be fully realized.” 

He went on to emphasize: “Right-sized regulation is not a barrier to innovation – it is essential for it. Clear, consistent, and principles-based rules create the certainty that investors, creators, and consumers need. When done well, regulation supports growth, trust, and inclusion in emerging technologies such asblockchain and digital assets.”

His appointment signals the Foundation’s growing commitment to engaging with global policymakers and advancing thoughtful approaches to blockchain adoption.

About the Avalanche Foundation

The Avalanche Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and growth of the Avalanche ecosystem. Through its initiatives and various grants programs, the Foundation fosters innovation and collaboration in the blockchain, AI, and Web3 space.