Crypto Billionaire Ben Delo Makes £4 Million Donation to Reform UK
British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo has revealed a substantial £4 million donation to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, signaling a dramatic entry into political activism. The 42-year-old entrepreneur, currently based in Hong Kong but planning a return to the UK, disclosed this financial support in a Telegraph article, explaining it represents his first-ever political engagement.
From Cryptocurrency to Political Funding
Delo, who co-founded the trillion-dollar cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has a complex legal history. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to violating the US Bank Secrecy Act for inadequate anti-money-laundering controls at his business—a regulatory failing he notes isn't considered a crime in the UK. Last year, he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, clearing his record.
The timing of Delo's donation is significant, occurring before new government restrictions took effect that cap political contributions from British citizens living abroad. Since Delo is relocating to the UK, future donations won't be subject to these limitations, unlike Reform UK's Thai-based donor Christopher Harborne, who has contributed £12 million but may face constraints moving forward.
A Political Awakening Against "Regime of Nonsense"
In his Telegraph piece, Delo expressed strong criticism of UK political leadership, stating: "The biggest obstacle to national recovery is the entrenched self-deception of our elites." He elaborated that "their regime of nonsense now poses such a grave threat to the UK that, for the first time in my life, I've become politically active."
Delo explained his £4 million contribution aims to help "Nigel Farage build Reform UK into a genuine alternative party of government." He praised the party for "recognizing and articulating the full scale of the problems our country faces" and creating what he sees as the first honest assessment of Britain's challenges.
Free Speech Advocacy and Diverse Support Network
Describing himself as a champion of free speech, Delo noted that as someone on the autism spectrum, he particularly dislikes how "the official culture of government now forces everyone to be chronically dishonest," specifically mentioning transgender issues. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond Reform UK, with support for more than 50 organizations across the political spectrum and public life.
A Guardian investigation recently revealed Delo's Westminster political base operates from a suite of rooms overlooking Westminster Abbey known as the Sanctuary. This facility provides free event space, office accommodations, and podcasting resources to various groups and individuals. Among those who have benefited are anti-migration MP Rupert Lowe, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and former cabinet minister Michael Gove.
Reform UK's Response and Broader Implications
Nigel Farage welcomed Delo's support, telling the Telegraph: "Our priority is to build a detailed programme for government so, if we are elected, we have the right policies in place to get Britain back on its feet as quickly as possible. Ben's support will help Reform attract more of the skills and talents we need to get ready for government."
Farage added that he finds it "particularly gratifying" that someone with Delo's background as "a builder and a visionary and a problem-solver" recognizes Reform UK's potential. The donation comes as Reform UK leads in some polls, positioning itself as what Delo calls "a genuine alternative party of government."
Delo's lawyers have previously emphasized that his support for diverse organizations doesn't equate to endorsing all their views. They note he has poured over £100 million into philanthropy and provides resources for various perspectives to be expressed, even when those views conflict with one another.
