BitMEX co-founder Ben Delo contributed approximately 75% of the UK's Reform party donations in the second quarter of 2026, according to records from the UK's Electoral Commission.
Delo made two separate contributions to Reform UK in April: 1 million pounds (approximately $1.3 million) and 3 million pounds (approximately $4 million). Combined, these donations represented 74% of all funds the party reported receiving between April and June 2026, out of the $7.3 million total.
The contributions have drawn attention from lawmakers regarding the influence of cryptocurrency industry figures on UK politics. Reform UK is led by Nigel Farage, who is currently under investigation after receiving donations and gifts from other crypto-tied figures, Christopher Harborne and George Cottrell. Farage resigned his parliamentary seat in July following the controversy, though he won a subsequent by-election with 63% of the vote.
In response to the donations from crypto industry figures, Labour MPs considered making permanent a moratorium on crypto donations that had been imposed in March.
Delo had also contributed $5.3 million to Reform UK in the first quarter of 2026. He was one of three BitMEX co-founders who pleaded guilty to federal charges in the US related to Bank Secrecy Act violations. Delo agreed to pay a $10 million fine in 2022 and received a presidential pardon in March 2025, along with his colleagues Arthur Hayes and Samuel Reed.
