Nigel Farage: Business Interests

Nigel Farage’s public record includes work in finance, political fundraising, and paid media. This page summarises what is documented in reputable news reports and official records.

City career and early financial background

Before entering full-time politics, Farage worked as a commodities trader in London during the 1980s and 1990s, including roles at firms such as Drexel Burnham Lambert and Refco. These years established his financial background and informed later positions on regulation and the EU.
Background profile: BBC News – Nigel Farage profile

Declarations and transparency as an elected representative

As an MEP (1999 – 2020), Farage was at times asked to clarify benefits and staffing rules. In 2018, European Parliament auditors concluded he had misspent EU funds intended for staffing; his MEP salary was docked to recover the amount specified by auditors.
Coverage: The Guardian – EU audit and salary docking

Since becoming an MP in 2024, Farage’s outside earnings and gifts are disclosed through the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, updated regularly. The register lists paid broadcasting work and other income sources.
Official: UK Parliament – Register of Members’ Financial Interests (Farage)

In August 2024, several outlets reported that Farage was the highest-earning MP at the time, largely due to his GB News contract declared via his company.
Reports: Financial Times | The Guardian

Donors and campaign support

Donations to UK political parties and regulated donees are overseen by the Electoral Commission, which maintains a public database of reportable gifts and loans.
Official portal: Electoral Commission – Search donations

In 2019, Channel 4 News reported that businessman Arron Banks provided substantial in-kind support to Farage after the 2016 referendum (including accommodation, transport, and promotional activity). The reporting prompted questions in Brussels about declarations. Farage denied wrongdoing.
Coverage & follow-ups: Channel 4 News / Guardian report | EU inquiry coverage

Media and commercial activity

Post-Brexit, Farage expanded into broadcasting and commentary. He has presented programmes for GB News and undertaken other paid media work alongside speaking engagements and writing. These activities are declared, where required, in the MPs’ Register.
Context: Reuters – Farage joins GB News | UK Parliament – Register of Interests

Reported lines of scrutiny (context only)

Some reporting has described external interest in Farage’s activities over the years. In 2017, The Guardian reported that he had been described by unnamed sources as a “person of interest” to U.S. investigators during the Trump–Russia inquiry. Farage denied wrongdoing, and no charge or case against him followed.
Report: The Guardian (2017)

Separately, scrutiny of figures around Reform UK has been reported, including HMRC attention on a Farage ally’s affairs (not a formal investigation at the time of reporting). This is included for context around funding debates; it does not allege wrongdoing by Farage.
Report: The Guardian – Tax authorities examine finances of George Cottrell (Oct 2025)

Current status (October 2025)

Farage is MP for Clacton and leader of Reform UK. He continues to receive MP salary and declares outside income (such as broadcasting and speaking) in the Register of Interests. Donations to Reform UK are reportable to the Electoral Commission and can be searched in its public database.
Official: UK Parliament – Register of Interests | Electoral Commission – Search donations | Reform UK – History / Rebrand timeline

Sources and further reading

Disclaimer

This profile is based on publicly available information from investigative journalism, parliamentary records, financial disclosures, and trusted news sources. Farage Exposed is an independent, non-commercial project created for public interest. Readers are encouraged to examine the original sources and verify details directly.