Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has been named the most influential black person in the United Kingdom. At 43, she heads the 2026 Powerlist, an annual publication recognizing individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage for their significant impact.
In her role, Kyei oversees the financial governance of the central bank's vast £1 trillion balance sheet. The recognition places her ahead of other prominent figures, including football legend Ian Wright and celebrated make-up artist Dame Pat McGrath.
Key Takeaways
- Afua Kyei, the Bank of England's Chief Financial Officer, was named the UK's most influential black person on the 2026 Powerlist.
- Kyei is responsible for the financial governance of the Bank's £1 trillion balance sheet.
- The Powerlist, published since 2007, aims to provide positive role models for young black people in the UK.
- Other notable individuals on the list include Ian Wright, Dame Pat McGrath, and actor Idris Elba.
A Landmark Recognition in British Finance
The annual Powerlist, first published in 2007 by Powerful Media, serves to highlight and celebrate the achievements of black Britons across various sectors. The list has become a significant marker of influence and success within the community and the country at large.
Afua Kyei's appointment to the top spot is a testament to her position at the heart of the UK's financial system. She takes the place of last year's number one, tech CEO Dean Forbes. Responding to the news, Kyei described the honor as "incredibly humbling."
The Purpose of the Powerlist
According to its founder, Michael Eboda, the Powerlist was created to provide visible role models for young black people. He noted a significant shift over the years, stating, "Over the last 20 years we've seen more influencers from the private sector as opposed to the public sector and that's a great story of success in Britain."
The Journey to the Bank of England
Kyei's path to one of the most senior roles in UK finance was not a traditional one. She studied chemistry at Oxford University and was later awarded a junior research fellowship in organic chemistry by Princeton University.
She credits her parents, who moved to the UK from Ghana at 18 to attend university, as her biggest role models. Their dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression. "My mother came to Liverpool, trained to become a midwife and enjoyed a 40-year plus career working for the NHS," Kyei said. "My father has enjoyed a long career in the oil industry. I saw them juggling work and home. They instilled really strong values in us."
Did You Know?
Before joining the Bank of England, Afua Kyei was an investment banker during the global financial crisis and later served as the Chief Financial Officer for Mortgages at Barclays Bank.
A Career in High-Stakes Finance
Kyei's career transitioned from academia to the fast-paced world of investment banking, where she worked during the turbulent period of the global financial crisis. She later moved to Barclays Bank before being recruited to the Bank of England in 2019 by its former governor, Mark Carney.
Today, as an executive director and CFO, she is central to the Bank's leadership and decision-making processes, managing financial reforms and the stability of its massive balance sheet.
Championing Working Parents and Diverse Talent
As a mother of four, Kyei is a passionate advocate for supporting working families in demanding corporate environments. She reflected on the lack of role models she saw early in her career.
"I didn't see so many women in big leadership roles who had families and I know that there are lots of women who think that they need to choose between work and having a family," she explained.
She praised her current employer's culture, adding, "What I love about the Bank of England is that we really support working families and working parents."
Kyei also hopes her visibility will encourage a more diverse range of young people to consider careers in central banking and finance. She emphasized that the field needs varied perspectives to thrive.
"You don't need to be a mathematician, you don't need to be an accountant and you don't need to be an economist," Kyei stated. "What we're looking for is fresh perspectives and we want the best people."
Other Notable Names on the 2026 Powerlist
The list features influential figures from sports, arts, and business. This year's top entries include:
- Ian Wright: The football legend and broadcaster makes a new entry on the list, recognized for his advocacy for equity in sport.
- Dame Pat McGrath: The world-renowned make-up artist and founder of Pat McGrath Labs continues to be a dominant force in the beauty industry.
- Idris Elba: The acclaimed actor and producer remains one of the UK's most influential cultural figures.
The continued success and expansion of the Powerlist highlights a growing and visible cohort of black leaders shaping modern Britain.
