Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has been named the UK’s most influential black person in the 2026 Powerlist, a recognition that underscores her pivotal role in one of the world’s key financial institutions. This announcement, made today, highlights her leadership in managing the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet and her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As Executive Director and CFO, Kyei oversees financial governance, funding reforms, and critical upgrades to national payment infrastructures. Her career trajectory includes experience as an investment banker during the 2008 financial crisis and a stint as CFO for Mortgages at Barclays before joining the Bank of England in 2019. Recruited by former governor Mark Carney, she has become a central figure in the Bank’s decision-making processes, ensuring stability in the UK’s economic framework.
A mother of four, Kyei has publicly praised the Bank of England for its supportive policies towards working parents, sharing that she hopes to challenge perceptions that women must choose between career and family. She studied chemistry at Oxford University and held a research fellowship at Princeton, demonstrating a strong academic background. Her parents, immigrants from Ghana, inspired her with their decades of service in the NHS and oil industry, instilling values of hard work and resilience that shaped her professional journey.
The Powerlist 2026 also features other influential figures, with former Arsenal footballer Ian Wright debuting in second place for his advocacy in sport equity. The top ten includes makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, and actor Idris Elba, representing a broad spectrum of achievements from beauty and business to entertainment and philanthropy. This diversity reflects the list’s aim to showcase role models across various sectors and inspire broader societal change.
Now in its 20th year, the Powerlist was established by Powerful Media to highlight black excellence and inspire future generations. Founder Michael Eboda noted that the initiative has far surpassed initial expectations, creating visibility and shifting societal perceptions over two decades. Kyei’s top position is particularly symbolic, as it emphasizes the growing influence of black leaders in public sector and financial roles, areas where representation has historically been limited.
The honourees will be celebrated at the Powerlist 2026 and Celebration of Black Excellence Awards tonight at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by Jeanette Kwakye and Tim Campbell. This event not only acknowledges their contributions but also reinforces the importance of continued efforts towards equality and representation in the UK, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive environments.
Kyei expressed that her recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the possibilities for young black people, encouraging them to pursue their passions without limitations. Her story serves as a beacon of progress, highlighting how diverse leadership can drive innovation and positive change in traditionally homogeneous fields, and she hopes to see more individuals from underrepresented backgrounds ascend to leadership roles in the years ahead.