He began his professional journey in the 1980s as a commodities trader in London’s financial sector. Over the years, he worked at firms including Drexel Burnham Lambert, Crédit Lyonnais Rouse, Refco and Natixis Metals. This period laid the foundation for his financial independence, providing both salary and performance-based bonuses. While not publicly documented, this early career in finance was crucial in establishing his initial wealth.
He entered politics in the 1990s, becoming a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South East England from 1999 until 2020. He led the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and later the Brexit Party, gaining prominence for his outspoken views on the European Union. While the MEP salary alone was modest compared to private-sector earnings, additional allowances, pensions and political exposure contributed to his financial growth.
His political profile significantly increased during the 2010s, coinciding with the rise of Brexit and UKIP’s influence. This period amplified Farage’s media presence, opening doors to lucrative opportunities outside politics.
Farage’s wealth grew substantially through media engagements. Between 2014 and 2018, he earned roughly $1 million from appearances on Fox News. Later, he hosted ‘The Nigel Farage Show’ on LBC radio, establishing a high-profile platform that further increased his earning potential. But it's important to note that his most significant recent media income has been from GB News, where he has been reported to have earned nearly £400,000 from GB News alone for work since August 2024, paid at a rate of over £2,000 an hour.
In 2023, appeared in ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’, reportedly earning £1.5 million. He also monetised his personal brand through Cameo, generating around £135,000 by recording personalised video messages for fans.
In addition to media work, Farage owns a media company, Thorn in The Side Ltd, whose assets increased by £1.25 million bringing its total value to £2.61 million in 2024. He has also engaged in promotional activities, such as endorsing gold bullion and other ventures, contributing further to his income.
His wealth is also reflected in his property portfolio, which has been a subject of significant public debate, and its exact value and ownership details are complex. While his Register of Members' Financial Interests lists him as having multiple properties, including some in Surrey and Kent, the specifics of a recent high-profile purchase have been widely reported.
He has stated he owns properties in Kent and Surrey, including a £1 million family home in the Kent village of Downe and two houses in Lydd-on-Sea, one of which he reportedly owns through his company, Thorn in The Side Ltd.
The property he uses in his Clacton constituency, a near £900,000 house, is not owned by him. He initially said he had ‘bought a house’ in Clacton but later clarified that it was purchased and is solely owned by his partner, Laure Ferrari.
