Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey says he is able to spot and resist lobbying after a meeting with Nigel Farage that discussed cryptocurrency policy. According to a report citing a letter seen by The Guardian, Bailey states that no policy changes were made as a result of pressure he received from Farage, including discussions relating to a cryptocurrency policy that critics say could be costly for Reform UK’s backers. Cointelegraph reports that Bailey also denies that any discussions with Farage swayed central bank policy, describing the Bank of England’s decision-making as independent.
The issue is linked to controversy around Farage’s disclosure practices and alleged ties to crypto-linked funding. The Guardian says Farage’s decision not to disclose a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based crypto tycoon, has triggered what it describes as the biggest crisis of his political career. Taken together, the accounts present Bailey as disputing any claim that his actions on cryptocurrency-related policy were influenced by Farage, while ongoing scrutiny centers on transparency and possible political pressure.
