Reform UK Drops Crypto Sponsors Ahead of Birmingham Conference

Reform UK has removed cryptocurrency companies from the sponsor list for its upcoming Birmingham conference, marking a notable shift after digital asset firms played a prominent role at the party’s previous event.

Nigel Farage’s party will open its annual conference next week without any crypto companies listed as sponsors. Digital payments company Zebec was among the major backers last year, but crypto-related sponsorships and perks, including free tickets and access to senior party figures, have now disappeared, according to Bloomberg.

The change comes as a parliamentary inquiry examines whether Farage should have declared £5 million linked to Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based crypto investor. Farage’s previous crypto lobbying activities have also faced scrutiny.

Instead, Reform UK is expanding its outreach to diplomats and major businesses. Honorary treasurer Nick Candy said representatives from India, Italy, Poland, the UAE and the United States are expected to attend, along with French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella.

Reform currently holds eight of the 650 seats in the House of Commons but has emerged as a potential contender ahead of the 2029 UK general election. More than 600 tickets were reportedly sold on the first business day, with companies including JCB, TikTok and Heathrow participating.

Despite removing crypto sponsors, Reform UK has announced no change to its cryptocurrency policies. The decision appears limited to conference sponsorship and access arrangements rather than signaling a broader retreat from digital assets.

The development comes shortly after Avon and Somerset Police announced the recovery of 20.21 Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies and bank funds worth £1,032,487.86, or roughly $1.4 million.

Investigators linked the assets to darknet marketplaces operating between 2016 and 2019 that were used for illegal activities, including drug sales and human trafficking.

The Bitcoin owner died before forfeiture proceedings were completed. However, authorities were still able to recover the property under the UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act.

Police described the case as the force’s largest cryptocurrency recovery since Britain introduced crypto wallet freezing orders in April 2024. The recovered assets will be redirected toward community initiatives and policing programs.