It is understood Mr Odey denies the alleged assault on a woman over the age of 16 dating from 1998.
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed the charge relates to an alleged incident in July 1998, believe to have taken place in Chelsea.
Mr Odey is a major donor to the Conservative Party and established Odey Asset Management in 1991.
He is a high profile fund manager and has been a regular speaker at industry events for a number of years.