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UK Government Considers Ban on Crypto Donations Over Money-Laundering Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 14:14 GMT by Daily Express

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UK Government Weighs Ban on Cryptocurrency Donations Amid Money‑Laundering Concerns

In a move that could reshape the way political campaigns are funded, the UK government has announced that it is “actively considering” banning the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of donating to political parties. The announcement was made after a briefing to senior civil servants revealed growing unease within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Treasury about the potential for illicit money to be funneled into the political system via digital assets. While the decision is still in its infancy, the implications for MPs, party leaders, and tech‑savvy donors are already generating heated debate across Westminster.

Why the Government is Taking a Stand

Cryptocurrency’s popularity has surged in the last decade, but the technology’s pseudonymous nature has made it a favourite for those wishing to conceal the source of their funds. In the political arena, there have been several high‑profile cases in which donors used crypto to skirt existing disclosure rules. For example, a small‑scale “crypto‑based” fundraising campaign run by a fringe political group in 2022 raised more than £50,000 in digital coins before it was discovered that the money had been sourced from a shell company in the British Virgin Islands. The Electoral Commission subsequently warned that political parties were at risk of inadvertently accepting “illicit funding.”

The UK’s current regulatory framework, while comprehensive in many respects, is not yet equipped to fully manage the specific challenges posed by digital currencies. The 2023 “Money‑Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations” provide some guidance, but they were drafted with fiat currencies in mind. The “Financial Conduct Authority” (FCA) has repeatedly stated that its anti‑money‑laundering (AML) regime does not extend fully to cryptocurrencies, a gap that lawmakers see as a potential avenue for abuse.

In addition to the regulatory uncertainty, there are logistical hurdles. Most political parties rely on traditional banking systems to transfer and report donations. While some fintech startups now offer “crypto‑to‑fiat” conversion services, the speed and volatility of crypto markets can create reporting delays that run counter to the stringent transparency deadlines imposed by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

What a Ban Would Look Like

If the government moves forward with a ban, the most straightforward approach would be to prohibit the acceptance of any form of crypto—be it Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins—as a direct donation to any political party or candidate. Under the proposed framework, parties would be required to only accept fiat currency or regulated digital assets that have gone through a certified exchange and meet AML criteria set by the FCA.

The ban would apply across the board, covering all levels of political activity: from local council elections to general elections. The government is reportedly exploring a regulatory “sand‑boxing” approach that would allow parties to continue to test crypto‑based fundraising models, but only under strict oversight and with an automatic reporting mechanism that forwards any suspicious transactions to the National Crime Agency.

While the initial draft of the legislation is still in consultation, experts warn that a blanket ban could drive small, crypto‑enthusiast donors into “grey” channels, such as private clubs or unregulated offshore accounts. To mitigate this risk, the government is proposing the introduction of a “crypto‑donation conversion hub” that would allow parties to accept crypto on a controlled platform, converting it to fiat immediately before it is added to the party’s account. This hub would be managed by a public‑private partnership between the Treasury and the FCA, ensuring that all transactions undergo real‑time AML checks.

Reactions from the Political Spectrum

Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi, who sits on the Treasury’s “Regulation Committee”, welcomed the government’s cautious stance. “We need to ensure that our democracy is protected from illicit money and that the public can have confidence in the electoral process,” he told a press conference. Zahawi’s comments echoed those of the “Financial Times” columnists who noted that the government is “under no illusion about the perils of unregulated digital asset donations”.

On the left, Jeremy Corbyn’s former deputy, Hilary Benn, urged caution. “A total ban could stifle grassroots mobilisation and alienate young voters who use crypto for legitimate reasons,” Benn said. “We need a balanced approach that protects our democracy without shutting down innovation.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the UK’s largest political parties, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats, have signaled that they are “open to exploring solutions” that allow for crypto donations within a tightly regulated framework. They argue that the ban would unfairly penalise smaller parties that rely on niche donor bases, potentially skewing the electoral playing field.

International Context

The UK is not alone in grappling with this issue. In the United States, the Federal Election Commission has issued guidance that requires political committees to report the source of all donations, including those made in cryptocurrency. The European Parliament is currently drafting a “Digital Finance Act” that would impose similar restrictions on crypto donations to EU‑based political parties. The UK’s decision, therefore, could set a precedent for global democratic systems.

Looking Ahead

While no legislation has been passed, the government’s internal memo—released to the public on 2 October 2024—outlined the framework for a potential “Crypto Donation Act 2025”. A draft consultation document is slated for publication next month, inviting parties, donors, fintech firms, and the public to submit their views. The final bill, if adopted, could come into force as early as January 2026, depending on parliamentary scrutiny and the outcome of the public consultation.

The move to ban crypto donations is a landmark moment for the intersection of technology and politics. Whether it will succeed in curbing illicit funding without stifling innovation remains to be seen, but it is clear that the UK government is taking the conversation seriously. As the debate unfolds, stakeholders on all sides will be watching closely to see whether a new era of transparent, technology‑enabled fundraising will emerge—or whether a blanket ban will close a door that was only just opening.