Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has been recognized as the UK’s most influential Black person in the 2026 Powerlist. At 43, she holds a pivotal role in managing the financial governance of the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet and is influential in funding reforms. The Powerlist aims to highlight individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage making significant contributions in the UK. Other notable names on this year’s list include former footballer Ian Wright, makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, and actor Idris Elba.
Kyei, recruited by former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, expressed that being named at the top of the list was “incredibly humbling.” She reflected on the visible disparities she observed in the workplace as she was growing up, particularly regarding women in leadership roles who also had families. Kyei emphasized the Bank of England’s support for working families and parents, stating that her personal experience has influenced her perspective on parenting and career.
She holds a degree in chemistry from Oxford University and has a junior research fellowship from Princeton University. Prior to joining the Bank of England in 2019, Kyei worked as an investment banker and served as Chief Financial Officer for Mortgages at Barclays Bank. She attributes her success to her parents, who immigrated from Ghana, and hopes to motivate young people to pursue careers in banking.
Kyei emphasized that a career in banking does not necessarily require skills in mathematics or accounting, encouraging a broader range of applicants by stating, “What we’re looking for is fresh perspectives.” She replaces tech CEO Dean Forbes at the head of the Powerlist. The Powerlist, initiated in 2007, aims to provide role models for young Black individuals, and its founder indicated an increase in influential figures from the private sector over the years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7gn1979go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss