BANK OF ENGLAND CFO AFUA KYEI NAMED UK'S MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK PERSON.

In a landmark recognition of leadership and representation, Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England, has been named the United Kingdom’s most influential Black person in the 2026 edition of the Powerlist.

The Powerlist celebrates outstanding individuals of African and African-Caribbean heritage who are making a remarkable impact in their fields. Afua Kyei’s recognition stands as a defining moment in British history. She leads a group of exceptional achievers across industries including business, science, the arts, and public service, affirming her influence in both the financial world and the wider community.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Afua Kyei studied Chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, and later became a Junior Research Fellow at Princeton University. Before joining the Bank of England in 2019, she built a distinguished career in investment banking and finance, including senior roles at Barclays Bank.

Her appointment as the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer marked a historic milestone she became its first Black senior executive and the youngest member of its executive team.

As CFO, Kyei oversees the Bank’s balance sheet of approximately £1 trillion, managing financial governance, strategic budgeting, and long-term investment decisions. Beyond her technical expertise, she has been a driving force for inclusion and sustainability, serving as the Bank’s co-Executive Sponsor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as for Climate Change Disclosure.

Her recognition on the Powerlist highlights the growing visibility and influence of Black professionals in spaces where representation has long been limited. Kyei’s leadership reflects not only financial acumen but also a commitment to inspiring change, mentoring young professionals, and fostering a more inclusive future in the corporate and public sectors.

Speaking on her recognition, Kyei expressed hope that her story would encourage others to dream beyond traditional boundaries. “When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable,” she said.

Afua Kyei’s achievement is more than an individual honour it represents a shift in how leadership and excellence are defined. Her success at the helm of one of the world’s most powerful financial institutions stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of representation in shaping a more equitable future.