Reform UK mega-donors stir controversy

The Venezuelan government and the country’s opposition are close to reaching an agreement to transfer the central bank’s gold reserves, critics are scrutinising donations to UK Reform by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, and Glencore has suspended one of its senior executives in the wake of an escalating scandal. Plus, OpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPO.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Venezuela nears deal to move $4bn gold reserve to New York

Reform UK’s mega-donor backed a friend’s libel claim. Now he controls her home

Glencore suspends senior executive in review of ties to iron ore trader

OpenAI’s listing delay raises stakes for SoftBank’s $50bn data centre IPO

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The FT News Briefing is produced by Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music. 

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com