The Centre for Finance and Security's new project examines the risk of opaque, foreign or malign influence entering UK politics through cryptocurrency donations.
The Cryptocurrencies in UK Politics project, with funding from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, will deliver the first in-depth UK assessment of the democratic, security, and transparency risks posed by political donations made in cryptocurrency.
It will benchmark the UK's current and proposed frameworks against international practice, highlight vulnerabilities, and develop targeted recommendations for reform.
Tom Keatinge, Director of CFS at RUSI, said:
Applying traditional political donation rules to cryptocurrencies assumes digital assets behave like cash – but they don't. Their potential for anonymity, borderless nature and susceptibility to influence demand a more tailored, forward-looking regulatory approach grounded in technical expertise and international experience.
Tom Keatinge
Director, CFS
The project will be supported by a series of events, with the findings published in a research report in 2026.
Eliza Lockhart, CFS Research Fellow and project lead, said:
This is a pivotal moment for UK political finance. With the first crypto donation on record and renewed government focus, now is the time to properly examine the risks digital assets can pose to democratic integrity.
Eliza Lockhart
Research Fellow
Visit the Cryptocurrencies in UK Politics project page to find out more.
