Bank of England Chief Tops 2026 Powerlist as UK’s Most Influential Black Person
Afua Kyei, the Bank of England’s chief financial officer, has been recognized as the UK’s most influential black person in the 2026 Powerlist. At just 43 years old, Kyei stands as a leading figure in UK finance, overseeing the governance of the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet and steering funding reforms. Her ascent to the top of this prestigious list celebrates the achievements of individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in the UK.
Kyei, a mother of four, expressed that being named at the top of the Powerlist is incredibly humbling. She reflects on her upbringing and acknowledges the lack of representation for women in leadership roles, particularly those balancing families and careers. Her experience has reinforced her commitment to fostering a supportive environment at the Bank of England for working parents. What I love about the Bank of England is that we really support working families and working parents, she noted.
An Oxford University chemistry graduate, Kyei also holds a junior research fellowship from Princeton University, specializing in organic chemistry. Before her role at the Bank, she navigated the financial sector as an investment banker and later served as Chief Financial Officer for Mortgages at Barclays Bank. She joined the Bank of England in 2019, where she plays a vital role in shaping the institution’s policies and strategies.
Kyei acknowledges her parents’ influence, who moved from Ghana to the UK to pursue their education. Her mother enjoyed a long career in the NHS, while her father thrived in the oil industry. I saw them juggling work and home. They instilled really strong values in us, she shared, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication.
Aiming to inspire the next generation, Kyei encourages young people to explore careers in banking, assuring them, 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. What we’re looking for is fresh perspectives and talent.
In this year’s Powerlist, Kyei takes over from tech CEO Dean Forbes. Other notable names on the list include football legend Ian Wright, make-up artist Dame Pat McGrath, and actor Idris Elba. The annual Powerlist, published since 2007, aims to provide inspiring role models for young black individuals in the UK. According to Powerlist founder Michael Eboda, the initiative has flourished, showcasing the increasing influence of individuals from the private sector over the past two decades.
In summary, Afua Kyei’s recognition as the most influential black person in the UK not only marks a significant personal achievement but also represents a step towards greater diversity and representation in leadership roles across sectors.