Reform UK Receives Record $97M in Crypto-Linked Donations from BitMEX Co-Founder and Harborne

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has received a combined 72 million pounds (approximately $97 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires in what stands as the largest donation ever made to a British political party. Ben Delo, co-founder of the BitMEX cryptocurrency exchange, pledged 36 million pounds on Friday, prompting Christopher Harborne to announce a matching donation the following day. Harborne, who also contributed 9 million pounds to the party in August 2025, said he was inspired by Delo's contribution and expected nothing in return. "No peerage, no policy change, just a party that is ready for government," Harborne wrote in The Telegraph.

Delo, who made the full payment upfront to prevent potential blocking, described the donation as 1 million pounds per month until the next general election in 2029, framing it as a commitment to ensuring a "fair fight" at the polls. Farage welcomed both contributions, stating the funding would allow Reform to contest the election on "a level playing field." The donations have nevertheless drawn scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about the growing influence of digital asset wealth on UK politics. Labour MPs are reportedly pushing to make a March moratorium on crypto-related political donations permanent in response to the controversy.

The scrutiny follows reports that Farage was under investigation over earlier donations and gifts from Harborne and George Cottrell, both figures tied to the crypto industry. Farage resigned from Parliament in July amid the scandal but won the subsequent by-election with 63% of the vote. He has denied any wrongdoing. Separately, Delo was one of three BitMEX co-founders who pleaded guilty to U.S. federal charges related to Bank Secrecy Act violations in 2022, agreeing to a $10 million fine. He was later pardoned by President Trump, adding another layer of controversy to his political involvement in the UK.