Afua Kyei has been named the UK’s most influential Black person for 2026. The Bank of England’s chief financial officer topped the prestigious Powerlist, surpassing global stars and prominent leaders. This recognition celebrates her exceptional leadership in managing the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet.
Bank of England CFO Tops Powerlist Alongside Entertainment Icons
The 43-year-old Ghanaian finance leader ranks among the UK’s most senior financial executives. She oversees the financial governance of the Bank of England’s massive £1 trillion balance sheet and funding reforms. The Powerlist recognizes the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in Britain.
Kyei’s inclusion on the list places her alongside celebrated names like former footballer Ian Wright. Other notable figures include make-up artist Dame Pat McGrath and acclaimed actor Idris Elba. However, Kyei’s groundbreaking work in finance secured her the top position, replacing tech CEO Dean Forbes.
Mother of Four Breaks Barriers in Male-Dominated Finance Industry
Kyei described topping the list as “incredibly humbling” despite her remarkable achievements. The 49-year-old mother of four grew up noticing significant workplace disparities. She observed few women in leadership roles who successfully balanced families and demanding careers.
“I didn’t see so many women in big leadership roles who had families,” Kyei explained. She recognized that many women feel pressured to choose between work and family. Furthermore, she praised the Bank of England’s commitment to supporting working families and working parents.
Oxford Chemistry Graduate Brings Fresh Perspective to Banking Leadership
Kyei’s impressive academic background includes studying chemistry at Oxford University. Additionally, Princeton University awarded her a junior research fellowship in organic chemistry. Her unconventional path to finance demonstrates the value of diverse educational backgrounds in banking.
Before joining the Bank of England, Kyei worked as an investment banker during the global financial crisis. She later served as Chief Financial Officer for Mortgages at Barclays Bank. Recruited by former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney in 2019, she now sits at the core of the institution’s leadership and decision-making.
Ghanaian Immigrant Parents Inspire Trailblazing Career in Finance
Kyei credits her parents as her biggest role models and sources of inspiration. Both moved from Ghana to the UK at age 18 to attend university. Their dedication to education and career excellence shaped her values and work ethic.
“My mother came to Liverpool, trained to become a midwife and enjoyed a 40-year plus career working for the NHS,” Kyei shared. Her father built a long career in the oil industry. She watched them skillfully juggle work and home responsibilities while instilling strong values in their children.
Finance Leader Encourages Young People to Consider Banking Careers
Kyei hopes her success will inspire the next generation to explore banking opportunities. She emphasizes that finance careers don’t require traditional backgrounds in mathematics, accounting, or economics. The industry needs fresh perspectives from people with diverse educational experiences.
“What we’re looking for is fresh perspectives and we want the best people,” Kyei stated. Her chemistry background proves that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success. Through her leadership and visibility, she’s breaking down barriers and redefining what a banking executive looks like.
