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Ben Delo to Return to UK to Fund Reform UK After Expat Donation Cap

The move tests fresh curbs on overseas money and a pause on crypto gifts meant to protect UK elections.

Overview

  • Delo, the Hong Kong‑based BitMEX co‑founder, said Wednesday in a Telegraph op‑ed that he will move back to Britain so he can donate millions more to Reform UK.
  • He has already given £4 million this year and urged other wealthy Britons living abroad to relocate and help build a larger campaign fund for Nigel Farage’s party.
  • The Labour government set a £100,000 annual cap on donations from Britons living overseas and imposed a temporary ban on cryptocurrency contributions after an interference review.
  • That review, led by former civil servant Philip Rycroft, warned that Iran, Russia and China pose real and persistent risks to UK democracy by exploiting gaps in campaign finance rules.
  • Reform has depended on big expat money, including multi‑million‑pound gifts linked to Thailand‑based investor Christopher Harborne, and Farage welcomed Delo’s plan as help to recruit talent and prepare a policy programme.