Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has been named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2026 Powerlist—a recognition that not only cements her place among the country’s financial elite but also highlights a remarkable journey of perseverance, intellect, and advocacy. At just 43, Kyei’s ascent to the top of British finance is a story that resonates far beyond the City of London, offering inspiration for future generations and a new vision for the sector’s future.
The Powerlist, which annually celebrates the achievements of people of African, African-Caribbean, and African-American heritage in the UK, announced its 2026 honorees on October 24, 2025. According to Powerful Media, the publisher behind the list, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the initiative, which began as a modest attempt to spotlight role models and has grown into a major celebration of Black excellence across business, arts, media, politics, and science. Michael Eboda, chief executive of Powerful Media, reflected, “When we launched the Powerlist back in 2006, our aim was simple – to highlight role models whose achievements could inspire others. What has happened over the past twenty years has exceeded anything we imagined. It has created visibility, shifted perceptions and, most importantly, shown young Black people that there is no limit to what they can achieve. To mark this 20th anniversary with Afua Kyei at number one feels especially powerful – she embodies the leadership, resilience, and vision that the Powerlist was created to honour.”
For Kyei, the recognition is not just a personal milestone. "For me, this award is not about personal achievement – it is about representation, visibility, and possibility. I am especially delighted that someone from the public sector and financial services is being recognised in this way. When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable. I hope my journey can encourage others to follow their dreams, pursue their passions, and to believe they can get to the very top," she told The Mirror.
Born in the UK to Ghanaian parents who moved to Britain in pursuit of education and opportunity, Afua Kyei’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work and integrity. Her mother, a midwife with over four decades of service in the NHS, and her father, who worked in the oil industry, laid the foundation for her academic and professional ambitions. Kyei attended Oxford University, where she studied chemistry, before earning a junior research fellowship at Princeton University in organic chemistry. Her transition from science to finance was driven by a desire to challenge herself and make a broader impact.
Her career in finance began at Barclays Bank, where she served as CFO for Mortgages, followed by a stint in investment banking during the global financial crisis—an experience that tested her mettle and honed her skills. In 2019, she was recruited to the Bank of England by then-Governor Mark Carney, who is now Prime Minister of Canada. Since then, she has been responsible for overseeing the Bank’s massive £1 trillion balance sheet, leading crucial funding reforms, and spearheading national infrastructure enhancements for payments. Her portfolio also includes championing diversity and climate disclosure, two areas she views as vital to the future of finance.
Kyei’s influence extends well beyond the numbers. As one of the few senior executives in UK finance who is also a mother of four, she has become a vocal advocate for workplace inclusivity, particularly for parents and women. "I didn’t see many women in big leadership roles who had families," she said, according to CrispNG. "What I love about the Bank of England is that we support working families and working parents." Her leadership has helped foster a culture at the Bank that values flexibility and work-life balance—an approach she believes is essential for attracting and retaining diverse talent.
In her role, Kyei has consistently pushed for greater diversity and inclusion across the financial sector. She encourages young people, especially women and those from minority backgrounds, to consider careers in finance. "You don’t need to be a mathematician or an economist. What we’re looking for are fresh perspectives and the best people," she explained, challenging long-held stereotypes about who belongs in the industry. Her message is clear: finance needs innovation, and innovation thrives on diversity of thought and experience.
The Powerlist 2026 is a testament to the breadth of Black excellence in the UK. Joining Kyei in the top ten are figures such as Ian Wright, the former England and Arsenal footballer turned broadcaster and advocate for equity in sport; Dame Pat McGrath, the renowned makeup artist and founder of Pat McGrath Labs; Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor; and Idris Elba, the acclaimed actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. The list also includes Emma Grede, CEO and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of SKIMS, and Ije Nwokorie, chief executive of Dr Martens PLC, among others.
This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the Powerlist 2026 and Celebration of Black Excellence Awards, set to take place at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The event will be co-hosted by Jeanette Kwakye MBE and Tim Campbell MBE, further underscoring the importance of the occasion in the UK’s cultural calendar.
The Powerlist’s impact has been felt widely, not just by those named, but by the many young people who see themselves reflected in the achievements of the honorees. As Eboda noted, the list has “created visibility, shifted perceptions and, most importantly, shown young Black people that there is no limit to what they can achieve.” The full list spans arts, business, media, politics, law, the public sector, and science, featuring names like Afua Hirsch, Bernadine Evaristo, Stormzy, Emma Grede, and Dr Emmanuel Ako, among many others.
For Afua Kyei, the journey from Oxford chemistry student to the top of British finance has been one defined by determination and a sense of purpose. Her leadership at the Bank of England—overseeing major reforms, championing diversity, and advocating for working parents—has made her a role model not just for Black professionals, but for anyone aspiring to lead with integrity and vision. Her story, and the recognition she has received, signals a broader shift in British society: one that values inclusivity, celebrates achievement across all backgrounds, and encourages the next generation to dream big.
As the Powerlist marks its 20th anniversary, it serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to continue breaking down barriers. In Afua Kyei, the UK has found not only a formidable financial leader but also a symbol of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and representation come together.
