Crypto Figures Donate Record $97 Million to UK's Reform UK Party

BitMEX co-founder Ben Delo and crypto investor Christopher Harborne have donated a combined 72 million GBP (approximately $97 million) to the Reform UK party, marking the largest single political donation in British history. Delo, who was pardoned by US President Donald Trump in 2025 regarding BitMEX's Bank Secrecy Act violations, stated the donation aims to ensure a fair playing field for the 2029 general election. Harborne, who previously donated 9 million GBP in 2025, described his contribution as pure political support. The massive influx of crypto-linked capital has intensified scrutiny from UK regulators and Parliament, with discussions ongoing regarding a potential permanent ban on crypto-related political donations.