Newly disclosed financial filings show that a major investor in Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, has significantly increased donations to Reform UK, a British political party advocating policies favorable to digital assets.
Thailand based investor Christopher Harborne, who reportedly holds about a 12% stake in Tether, has contributed millions of pounds to the party. Records from the Electoral Commission show that his support includes a £9 million donation previously disclosed and an additional £3 million given in November that only recently appeared in regulatory filings.
Reform UK’s Pro-Crypto Policy Agenda
Led by Nigel Farage, Reform UK has made digital assets a central element of its economic platform. The party proposes positioning the United Kingdom as a leading global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Among its key proposals is a plan to reduce capital gains tax on crypto investments from roughly 18% to 10%.
Debate Over Cryptocurrency Donations and Regulation
Reform UK also became the first British political party to accept cryptocurrency donations in 2025, allowing supporters to contribute using assets such as Bitcoin. The move triggered criticism from several parliamentary committee chairs, who warned that digital assets could obscure the origin of funds and potentially enable foreign interference in elections.
The debate comes as UK lawmakers finalize broader regulations covering stablecoins, trading platforms, and digital asset custody. Industry representatives argue that overly strict rules could weaken London’s competitiveness in the evolving crypto economy.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.