Update (Sept. 12, 2026): This report has been revised to incorporate Christopher Harborne’s matching 36 million pound contribution.
Nigel Farage’s party, Reform UK, has secured 72 million pounds ($97 million) from a pair of digital asset billionaires after Christopher Harborne matched an unprecedented financial contribution from Ben Delo.
Harborne disclosed his 36 million pound financial backing on Saturday, coming just a day after Delo made his announcement public. Together, these contributions represent the largest single amount ever given to a British political organization. Previously, in August 2025, Harborne also provided the party with 9 million pounds.
Writing for The Telegraph, Harborne explained that Delo’s financial gesture motivated him to contribute an identical sum. He noted that he anticipated no favors in return, stating: “No peerage, no policy change, just a party that is ready for government.”
Delo, one of the co-founders of the BitMEX digital currency platform, mentioned that he supplied the funds to guarantee an equitable contest at the ballot box.
According to his statements in The Telegraph, Delo’s 36 million pound gift was structured as 1 million pounds each month leading up to a 2029 general election, though he transferred the entire sum immediately to avert any potential obstruction.
Farage expressed approval for both contributions, pointing out that the capital will enable Reform to contest the upcoming general election on an equal footing.
Reform faces scrutiny over funding
Cointelegraph previously covered last month that Farage faced an inquiry following the receipt of millions of dollars in financial support and presents from two individuals associated with the blockchain sector: Harborne and George Cottrell. Farage has rejected accusations of any wrongdoing.
The British parliamentarian stepped down from his seat as a Member of Parliament this past July amid the digital currency controversy, which sparked a contentious by-election that Farage ultimately won by capturing 63% of the vote, defeating satirical candidate Count Binface.
These blockchain-linked funds have prompted numerous legislators to question what kind of sway cryptocurrencies hold over politics in the UK.
During July, Labour MPs were reportedly looking into whether a temporary ban on digital asset contributions introduced in March, pending new regulations, should become permanent in reaction to what Farage referred to as presents from Harborne and Cottrell.
Related: UK politicians mull permanent crypto donation ban in wake of Nigel Farage scandal
Delo’s conviction and presidential pardon
As previously detailed by Cointelegraph, Delo was among three BitMEX co-founders who entered guilty pleas regarding federal offenses in the United States concerning breaches of the Bank Secrecy Act.
Although he agreed to a $10 million financial penalty back in 2022, Delo avoided jail time. Alongside his associates Arthur Hayes and Samuel Reed, he was granted executive clemency by US President Donald Trump in March 2025.
Additional reporting by Bryan O’Shea.
Magazine: Trading stocks against BONER is the latest trend for DeFi degens
Cointelegraph remains dedicated to unbiased, open journalism. This report has been generated in alignment with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy with the goal of delivering correct and current facts. Individuals reading this are advised to independently check the facts.
Originally published at https://cointelegraph.com/news/farages-reform-uk-gets-biggest-donation-ever-from-crypto-billionaire-reports?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound.
