Rebel with a cause

Ben Delo's path from maths prodigy to crypto kingpin

Author

Perspective Media
June 08, 2025

THE INTERVIEW
Ben Delo
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of BitMEX
BY THOMAS W HODGKINSON

Ben Delo at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Photo by Andrei Luca.

Thomas W Hodgkinson profiles Ben Delo, Britain's youngest self-made billionaire and co-founder of BitMEX, the cryptocurrency trading platform that revolutionised digital finance. From his early expulsion from three primary schools for being "too clever" to building a crypto empire and receiving a presidential pardon, Delo's story reveals a brilliant mathematician whose contrarian streak led him to transform an industry while navigating legal battles and giving away millions to educational causes.

Our swifts need you!

The government just made a U-turn on a cheap, effective 'swift brick' designed to save one of Britain’s best-loved wild species. Swift champion, Hannah Bourne-Taylor, rallies YOU to the cause.

www.perspectivemedia.com/our-swifts-need-you

❝

Don’t leave it to me. I am a solo, unfunded campaigner. The birds and I need your help

Finding new love and domestic stand-offs

Our agony uncle, neuroscientist Dr. Ash Ranpura, answers readers' letters about finding love again after betrayal and managing the daily irritations that can threaten marital harmony. Drawing on brain science, he offers insights on managing expectations in relationships and understanding why small domestic differences can feel so monumentally annoying.

www.perspectivemedia.com/finding-new-love-and-domestic-stand-offs

Join us

Perspective’s mission is to bring everyone back to the room for a conversation about the stories and ideas shaping our world. Discover a wealth of content not found elsewhere, from thought leaders, award-winning journalists and experts – visit perspectivemedia.com for more.

Explore Our Archive
Share this newsletter with your network
Follow us on our social channels below