Crypto news report · source clearly identified
Crypto Billionaires Donate Record £72 Million to UK Reform Efforts
Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne each contributed £36 million, together surpassing the total fundraising of every UK political party last year.

Two of the United Kingdom’s most prominent crypto investors have made historic donations to support political reform, each giving £36 million. The combined £72 million (approximately $97 million) exceeds the total amount raised by any single UK party in the previous year.
Donors and Their Backgrounds
Ben Delo, a co‑founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, and Christopher Harborne, a long‑time crypto entrepreneur, announced the contributions simultaneously. Both have been vocal about the need for clearer regulatory frameworks for digital assets in the UK.
Impact on the Political Landscape
The donations are set to fund a range of reform initiatives, including lobbying for more transparent crypto regulations, supporting research on blockchain technology, and backing campaigns aimed at improving financial inclusion.
Comparison with Traditional Party Funding
Last year, the total amount raised by each of the major UK parties – Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats and others – was lower than the £72 million contributed by the two crypto billionaires. This marks the first time private crypto wealth has outstripped conventional political fundraising in the country.
Future Outlook
Analysts suggest that such sizable contributions could accelerate legislative discussions around crypto assets, potentially leading to more defined rules for exchanges, custodians and investors. The donors have indicated that further funding may follow if reform progress stalls.
Source & attribution
News Source
- Publisher
- Decrypt
- Original date
- September 12, 2026, 3:51 PM
- Original headline
- Crypto Billionaires Hand Reform UK $97M in Record Donations