Reform UK conference draws tech giants as crypto industry takes a back seat

Reform UK is playing up its international diplomacy and distancing itself from crypto backing to position itself as a credible choice to lead the UK. The latest attendance lineup for its upcoming conference clearly indicates this. 

Crypto firms are completely missing from the sponsor lineup for next week’s three-day Birmingham conference, a massive shift from last year when digital payments firm Zebec was a headline sponsor.

Although the party has not released all the details about conference attendance, it expects dignitaries from nearly a dozen countries, including the US, India, the UAE, Italy, Hungary, and Poland. French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella is also scheduled to attend.

Reform’s Candy highlighted the party’s growing international influence

Reform UK is seeking to increase its international engagement. Major technology companies, construction giant Keltbray Group Ltd., equipment manufacturer JCB, TikTok, and Heathrow Airport are all scheduled to attend the party’s conference on Thursday. 

Speaking on why it would attend the conference, Keltbray stated that it was essential to know the key figures shaping construction policy. It added that it will also send representatives to the governing Labor and opposition Conservative conferences.

The party has already sold more than 600 tickets for its business event, but crypto companies are being sidelined this time around. In contrast to last year’s heavy crypto lineup, no crypto brands are listed as sponsors, and a source familiar with the situation notes that prior perks, including complimentary passes and private meetings with top party officials, have been axed.

Still, the party’s treasurer Nick Candy pointed to what he called “extraordinary” international engagement ahead of the conference, arguing that the diplomatic turnout underscores Reform’s growing international influence. 

“The scale and breadth of the diplomatic presence at the conference next week is a clear indication of how seriously Reform is being taken internationally,” he asserted.

Some businesses, however, have been hesitant to attend the Birmingham conference. One senior City PR boss revealed that executives in fields like renewable energy are still holding back from attending for fear of being seen as validating the party. Not to mention, some of the party’s infighting has stirred doubts about its professionalism. 

Even so, multiple PR agencies are attending the Reform conference at their clients’ request. SEC’s Fraser Raleigh noted that corporate curiosity about Reform UK has spiked since the last conference, with businesses now choosing direct engagement over just standing on the sidelines. 

Reform’s crypto ties are taking a back seat

Reform UK’s decision to reduce the prominence of crypto companies at its conference comes as the party tries to broaden its appeal beyond the technology and digital-asset industries.

That’s not to say Reform has given up on crypto or financial innovation, but it’s a sign that the party is more focused on demonstrating it is prepared to govern and build relationships across a wider range of industries.

The contrast with last year is particularly notable. Crypto firms were among the businesses seeking visibility around Reform, while the latest conference lineup places greater emphasis on established companies, technology businesses, and international representatives.

That change could help the party demonstrate that its economic agenda extends beyond emerging financial technologies. For the crypto industry, however, the reduced presence could signal that access to Reform’s senior leadership is becoming less centered on digital assets as the party seeks to strengthen its broader corporate and diplomatic credentials.

The British government has been advocating for crypto and potential regulation

Despite the right-wing opposition party trying to steer away from crypto, the Treasury revealed on Wednesday plans to task the Bank of England with a secondary goal: supporting the growth of digital money and payment systems, provided it doesn’t compromise overall financial stability.

The Treasury explained that the mandate aims to help regulators keep pace with changes in digital payments, with Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden expressing her support for the plan. 

Additionally, in June, the Financial Conduct Authority noted it would dial back its proposed capital requirements for stablecoin firms following industry complaints, a change announced alongside landmark rules that bring crypto into its official regulatory framework.

More recently, City Minister Lucy Rigby also highlighted tokenization and other digital payment innovations as developments that could modernize financial markets.

He stated, “Whilst financial stability will always remain the Bank’s primary objective, this secondary objective will support the Bank to continue to drive innovation in ⁠payments ​and digital finance, ensuring that the UK ​remains a global leader in financial services.”