Christopher Harborne, a major investor in stablecoin issuer Tether, has been ranked sixth on the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated fortune of $24.4 billion, most of which comes from his 12% stake in Tether. The news comes as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards probe over a reported $6.7 million gift from Harborne, which Farage initially claimed was for security but later described as a "reward" for his Brexit campaigning. The investigation was triggered after The Guardian reported that Farage purchased a property worth $1.9 million in cash shortly after receiving the gift. Farage has defended himself by citing an alleged undisclosed offer from Elon Musk that he refused. The parliamentary inquiry has been listed as active under Rule 5 for "failure to register an interest." Harborne, who holds Thai citizenship under the name Chakrit Sakunkrit, has donated over $16 million to Reform UK, including the largest single political donation from a living individual in British history.

Key facts

• Harborne ranks 6th on UK Rich List with $24.4B fortune from Tether stake.
• Farage faces probe over $6.7M gift from Harborne, initially for security.
• Farage later called gift a 'reward' for Brexit campaigning.
• Harborne donated over $16M to Reform UK, including record single donation.
• Farage claimed he refused undisclosed offer from Elon Musk.