UK Electoral Commission to Update Crypto Donation Rules Amid Regulatory Gaps
The UK's Electoral Commission is revising its guidance on cryptocurrency-based political donations following a recent crypto contribution to Reform UK. The move highlights growing institutional engagement with digital assets, even as regulatory frameworks remain incomplete.
Current UK electoral law, largely unchanged since 2000, contains no specific provisions for crypto donations. While anti-money laundering rules and property recognition provide some structure, political parties currently rely on a £500 permissible donor threshold designed for traditional finance.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticized the regulatory lag, calling for accelerated crypto policy development. The Financial Conduct Authority continues drafting comprehensive rules, but the electoral system now faces immediate pressure to adapt to blockchain-based contributions.
