Release: Experts call for ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties

Monday 22 December 2025 – The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition is calling on the Government to ban cryptocurrency donations to political parties, warning that they pose an unnecessary and avoidable risk to the integrity of UK democracy.

The call follows recent reports of the first-ever cryptocurrency donation to a UK political party, alongside revelations of the largest donation ever made by a living donor, reportedly from a crypto tycoon. As the Government scales up its review of foreign interference in our elections, it cannot afford to ignore the clear and growing risks posed by crypto donations.

Cryptocurrency donations are uniquely risky because they are hard to trace, facilitate rapid and borderless transfers, and can obscure the true source of funds. Transactions are typically linked only to wallet addresses rather than verified real-world identities, making it difficult for political parties, regulators, and the public to determine whether donations come from permissible UK sources or have passed through high-risk jurisdictions.

The coalition says allowing crypto donations sits uneasily alongside the Government’s own warnings about foreign interference, illicit finance, and hostile actors seeking to exploit democratic systems, particularly as ministers launch a new review into the UK’s defences against foreign interference.

With Parliament preparing to scrutinise the forthcoming Elections Bill, campaigners argue the Government has a clear opportunity to act by closing this loophole and banning all cryptocurrency donations to political parties.

Phil Brickell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax, said:

“By its very nature, cryptocurrency has no place in our politics. It is hard to trace and a great way to break up larger donations so they fly under the radar. The Government must implement a total ban, before the horse has bolted.

“It is also absolutely right that the Government is reviewing our defences against foreign interference.”

 The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition says a ban would provide clarity for political parties, certainty for regulators, and reassurance for voters, while strengthening confidence in the UK’s democratic safeguards without restricting legitimate political participation.