Who is Afua Kyei? Bank of England CFO tops 2026 Powerlist as UK’s Most Influential Black Person
The finance chief of the Bank of England. Image Source: Sane Seven/ Powerlist/PA
Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Bank of England, has been named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2026 Powerlist. The recognition places her ahead of globally renowned figures like Idris Elba, Dame Pat McGrath, and Ian Wright, solidifying her as one of the most powerful women in British finance.
At just 43 years old, Kyei oversees the Bank of England’s £1 trillion balance sheet, leading major funding reforms while also serving as a role model for women balancing high-powered careers and family life.
From Oxford to the Bank of England: Afua Kyei’s Journey
Born to Ghanaian parents who moved to the UK for education, Afua Kyei’s story reflects perseverance, intellect, and purpose. Her mother was a midwife with over 40 years of service in the NHS, while her father worked in the oil industry, both instilling strong values of hard work and integrity.
A graduate of Oxford University, where she studied chemistry, Kyei later earned a junior research fellowship at Princeton University in organic chemistry before moving into finance. Her career includes roles at Barclays Bank, where she served as CFO for Mortgages, and in investment banking during the global financial crisis.
In 2019, she joined the Bank of England, recruited by Mark Carney, now Canada’s Prime Minister and then the Bank’s Governor.
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Championing Diversity and Working Parents
As one of the few senior executives in UK finance who is also a mother of four, Afua Kyei has been vocal about making workplaces more inclusive for parents.
“I didn’t see many women in big leadership roles who had families,” she said. “What I love about the Bank of England is that we support working families and working parents.”
Her recognition by the Powerlist 2026, which highlights outstanding individuals of African, African-Caribbean, and African-American heritage, underscores her leadership in both finance and diversity advocacy.
The Powerlist 2026: A Celebration of Black Excellence
The Powerlist, first published in 2007 by Powerful Media, celebrates influential Black individuals shaping British society. Founder Michael Eboda noted that while the list began as a small initiative, it has grown to include trailblazers across entertainment, technology, politics, and finance.
This year’s top figures include:
- Afua Kyei – Bank of England CFO
- Ian Wright – Football legend and broadcaster
- Dame Pat McGrath – Make-up artist and founder of Pat McGrath Labs
- Idris Elba – Actor and producer
Kyei replaces Dean Forbes, tech CEO and last year’s Powerlist leader.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Afua Kyei continues to encourage 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 said.
Her message challenges stereotypes about who belongs in finance and highlights the Bank of England’s evolving commitment to inclusion and innovation.
FAQ About Afua Kyei
1. Who is Afua Kyei?
Afua Kyei is the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England and was named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2026 Powerlist. She oversees financial governance for the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet.
2. What is Afua Kyei’s background?
She was born in the UK to Ghanaian parents. Her mother worked as a midwife for the NHS, and her father worked in the oil industry. She studied chemistry at Oxford University and was a junior research fellow at Princeton University.
3. When did Afua Kyei join the Bank of England?
Afua Kyei joined the Bank of England in 2019, recruited by then-Governor Mark Carney.
4. What is the Powerlist 2026?
The Powerlist recognizes the most influential people of African, African-Caribbean, and African-American heritage in the UK. It celebrates leadership and impact across industries.
5. What does Afua Kyei do at the Bank of England?
As CFO, she manages the Bank’s financial governance, balance sheet, and funding reforms, making her one of the most powerful figures in UK finance.
6. What inspired Afua Kyei to pursue finance?
Though trained as a chemist, Kyei transitioned into finance to challenge herself and make an impact. She worked in investment banking and later became CFO for Mortgages at Barclays Bank before joining the BoE.
7. How does Afua Kyei support working parents?
She actively promotes family-friendly policies at the Bank of England, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles without sacrificing family life.
8. What does Afua Kyei say about diversity in banking?
She believes diversity drives innovation and urges young professionals to enter finance, regardless of background or degree, if they bring new ideas and perspectives.
9. Who else is on the Powerlist 2026?
Notable names include Ian Wright, Dame Pat McGrath, and Idris Elba, alongside Kyei as the top honoree.
10. What impact has Afua Kyei had on the UK finance sector?
Kyei has reshaped financial governance within the Bank of England while championing diversity, inclusion, and mentorship, inspiring future generations of leaders.
