Bitget App
Trade smarter
Buy cryptoMarketsTradeFuturesEarnSquareMore
Reform UK Receives Record $12M Crypto Donation Amid Stablecoin Ban Debate

Reform UK Receives Record $12M Crypto Donation Amid Stablecoin Ban Debate

DeFi PlanetDeFi Planet2025/12/05 18:30
By:DeFi Planet

Quick Breakdown

  • Crypto entrepreneur funds Reform UK with $12 million in digital assets , the largest political donation in UK history.
  • Donation arrives as the UK government weighs stablecoin regulations that could restrict crypto payments.
  • Reform UK leader Nigel Farage defends the move, pledges to block the central bank’s digital currency rollout.

 

US-based crypto entrepreneur Themis Trading co-founder Peter Thiel has donated $12 million in cryptocurrency to Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage. This marks the largest single political donation in UK history. The gift comes at a tense time, as the UK government reviews stablecoin rules that may lead to a ban on specific crypto uses. Reform UK disclosed the donation to the Electoral Commission on December 4, 2025. Farage hailed it as support for pro-crypto policies. The funds will boost campaign efforts ahead of future elections.​

💰 Christopher Harborne, who previously gave £1m to Boris Johnson and millions of pounds to the Brexit Party, has gifted the cash to Reform as it tops the polls and seeks to woo senior Conservatives

Find out more about their deal below 👇 pic.twitter.com/kaNgGRnFSi

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 4, 2025

Donation Details and Disclosure

Reform UK reported the donation from Thiel’s entity, valued at over £9.5 million at current rates. Bitcoin and Ethereum formed the bulk of the transfer, executed via regulated exchanges. Party officials confirmed compliance with UK election laws, capping individual gifts at £500,000 cash equivalent but allowing asset transfers. Thiel, known for backing crypto-friendly politicians, aims to counter what he calls “anti-innovation” policies. Farage plans to allocate funds to digital advertising and grassroots outreach. Critics question timing amid Labour’s push for tighter crypto controls.​

Regulatory Backdrop Fuels Tension

The UK Treasury is consulting on stablecoin frameworks, with proposals floating outright bans on non-GBP-pegged tokens for payments. Officials cite risks to financial stability from unbacked digital assets. Reform UK opposes such measures, vowing to scrap them if elected. Farage likened the donation to early tech investments reshaping politics. Supporters see it as a win for blockchain adoption in governance. Opponents, including Labour MPs, demand probes into foreign influence. Treasury sources note no immediate ban but stress the need for consumer protections. This clash highlights growing crypto sway in UK politics

Notably, a consortium of central European banks, led by BNP Paribas, is planning to launch a private, euro-pegged stablecoin in late 2026 through a newly established Dutch entity called Qivalis. This effort is driven by the strategic goal of establishing digital monetary autonomy for Europe. It is designed to be fully compliant with the continent’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA-compliant) regulation. Significantly, this move occurs even as Tether, a leading industry player, withdraws its own euro token, citing difficulties with the same regulatory framework. Although authorities welcome financial innovation, they simultaneously warn that the expanding stablecoin market requires close monitoring to prevent potential impacts on monetary policy.

 

0
0

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

PoolX: Earn new token airdrops
Lock your assets and earn 10%+ APR
Lock now!

You may also like

Stablecoin Legislation Booms Globally, Why Is China Taking the Opposite Approach? An Article to Understand the Real National Strategic Choices

Amid the global surge in stablecoin legislation, China has chosen to firmly curb stablecoins and other virtual currencies, while accelerating the development of the digital yuan to safeguard national security and monetary sovereignty. Summary generated by Mars AI. This summary is produced by the Mars AI model and its accuracy and completeness are still being iteratively improved.

MarsBit2025/12/05 20:24
Stablecoin Legislation Booms Globally, Why Is China Taking the Opposite Approach? An Article to Understand the Real National Strategic Choices

Liquidity migration begins! Japan becomes the Fed's "reservoir," 120 billions in carry trade returns set to ignite the December crypto market

The Federal Reserve has stopped quantitative tightening and may cut interest rates, while the Bank of Japan plans to raise rates, changing the global liquidity landscape and impacting carry trades and asset pricing. Summary generated by Mars AI. This summary is produced by the Mars AI model, and the accuracy and completeness of its content are still under iterative improvement.

MarsBit2025/12/05 20:24
Liquidity migration begins! Japan becomes the Fed's "reservoir," 120 billions in carry trade returns set to ignite the December crypto market

Weekly Hot Picks: Bank of Japan Sends Strongest Rate Hike Signal! Is the Copper Market Entering a Supercycle Rehearsal?

The leading candidate for Federal Reserve Chair is being questioned for potentially "accommodative rate cuts." Copper prices have reached a historic high, and a five-hour meeting between the United States and Russia ended without results. Expectations for a Japanese interest rate hike in December have surged, and Moore Threads' stock soared more than fivefold on its first day... What market moves did you miss this week?

Jin102025/12/05 20:19
Weekly Hot Picks: Bank of Japan Sends Strongest Rate Hike Signal! Is the Copper Market Entering a Supercycle Rehearsal?

Monad Practical Guide: Welcome to a New Architecture and High-Performance Development Ecosystem

This article will introduce some resources to help you better understand Monad and start developing.

深潮2025/12/05 19:15
Monad Practical Guide: Welcome to a New Architecture and High-Performance Development Ecosystem
© 2025 Bitget