Afua Kyei Leads Influential List

From Oxford Chemistry to Threadneedle Street: The Ascent of Afua Kyei

The title of the United Kingdom's most influential black person has been given to Afua Kyei, who serves as the chief financial officer at the Bank of England. This recognition was announced in the 2026 edition of the Powerlist, a significant publication that celebrates people with African and African Caribbean ancestry. At 43, Kyei occupies a top leadership position in British finance, responsible for the immense task of directing the monetary governance for the Bank's one-trillion-pound balance sheet. Her appointment to the premier spot on the list places her ahead of other globally known figures, including ex-footballer Ian Wright and the well-known actor, Idris Elba. This acknowledgement highlights not just a remarkable personal career but also a pivotal moment for representation at the highest levels within Britain's financial institutions.

A Recognition of Excellence

The Powerlist has been a vital institution for nearly two decades, making its debut in 2007 through Powerful Media. Its primary mission is to present positive figures for young individuals of black heritage with African and African Caribbean backgrounds. The publication is circulated in schools and universities, serving as an inspirational guide and a valuable source of talent for corporate firms seeking to diversify their senior staff. The selection process is meticulous; an independent panel of judges assesses nominees based on their ability to positively alter events and change lives over a sustained period. This process ensures the list is a credible and respected authority on black influence in Britain, rebranding perceptions and celebrating success across all industries.

A Shift in Influence

Michael Eboda, the Powerlist's founder, has observed a significant evolution in the landscape of influence over the past 20 years. Initially, he worried they might deplete their list of potential nominees, but the outcome was the contrary. A notable trend is the increasing prominence of influential individuals from commercial industries when compared to state-run organisations. This shift, according to Eboda, represents a wonderful narrative of achievement and progress within Britain. The Powerlist itself grew from a necessity to showcase positive accomplishments and counter often-negative media portrayals. It has succeeded in creating visibility and showing young people from black communities that there are no limits to what they can achieve, fostering a network of accomplished individuals who inspire the next generation.

A Foundation Built on Values

Afua Kyei's journey is rooted in a strong family foundation. She was born in London to parents who had travelled to the United Kingdom from their home country of Ghana to pursue their university education. Her mother trained as a midwife in Liverpool and dedicated more than 40 years of her service to the National Health Service. Her father had a long and successful professional life working in the oil sector. Watching them juggle demanding professions with home life instilled powerful values in Kyei from a young age. This upbringing provided her with formidable role models and a deep-seated appreciation for hard work and integrity, principles that have clearly guided her through a demanding and high-profile profession in the financial world.

An Academic Powerhouse

Kyei's path into finance was not a conventional one. Her academic background is in science; she pursued chemistry studies at Somerville College, Oxford University. Her master's research focused on using organic synthesis to create anti-tumorous molecules. Following her time at Oxford, Princeton University presented her with a junior research fellowship in the discipline of organic chemistry. It was a realisation about the long path of a research career that prompted a change in direction. This formidable education in a completely different field demonstrates a sharp intellect and a willingness to embrace new challenges, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her rapid ascent in the financial sector.

Navigating Motherhood and Career

Beyond her professional achievements, Afua Kyei is a mother to four children. She has been open about the challenges women face when balancing high-powered careers with family life. In her formative years, she observed a distinct lack of women in significant positions of leadership who also had families, leading many to believe they had to make a decision between the two. Kyei actively works to dismantle this perception. She expresses great admiration for the Bank of England's supportive atmosphere for working parents and families. By successfully navigating both demanding roles, she serves as a powerful example, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve aspirations in both personal and professional spheres.

Forged in Financial Crisis

Kyei entered the world of finance during a period of global turmoil. She began her career working in investment banking at UBS between 2007 and 2012, right in the midst of the economic crisis. During this time, she was part of the team that advised the Royal Bank of Scotland on critical matters, including its participation in HM Treasury's Asset Protection Scheme and a significant capital issuance. This experience, working at the heart of the crisis, provided her with an unparalleled and intense education in the inner workings of the global monetary system under extreme pressure. It was a crucible that tested her skills and forged a resilience that would define her later career.

Leadership at Barclays

Following her formative years in investment banking, Kyei transitioned to a senior role at Barclays. There, she served as the lead financial officer overseeing mortgages, a significant position within the major high street lender. In this capacity, she played a key part in the bank's strategic cost transformation program, known as TRANSFORM. Her work at Barclays further solidified her reputation as a formidable financial leader, adept at managing complex financial operations and driving strategic change within a large and established institution. This period was a crucial stepping stone, preparing her for the immense responsibilities that awaited her at the nation's central bank.

Image  Credit - by acediscovery, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Joining the Bank of England

The year 2019 marked a historic move when Kyei began her tenure with the Bank of England, taking on the duties of chief financial officer and executive director. At the age of 36, she became the first black executive in the institution's centuries-long history. She was brought on board by the governor at the time, Mark Carney, who is now the Prime Minister of Canada. Her appointment placed her at the very heart of the institution's leadership and its decision-making process. This move was not just a personal career milestone but also a significant moment for diversity and representation within one of Britain's most powerful and traditional financial bodies, signalling a shift towards more inclusive leadership.

Guardian of a Trillion-Pound Fortress

In her current role, Afua Kyei is tasked with directing the financial stewardship of the Bank of England's complete accounts, which peaked at over £1 trillion during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her duties are vast and critical to the UK's economic stability. She also supervises the modernisation of its methods for funding and is a member of the executive board managing the upgrade of the UK's Real-Time Gross Settlement System, a piece of critical national infrastructure that processes hundreds of billions of pounds in payments daily. Her leadership has been essential in navigating the UK economy through recent tumultuous periods, including Brexit and the cost of living crisis.

Demystifying the World of Banking

A key part of Afua Kyei's mission is to motivate more young individuals to explore a career in banking and finance. She actively works to break down stereotypes about the industry, making it clear that it is not just for mathematicians, accountants, or economists. She believes that the world of finance requires new ways of thinking and diverse perspectives to innovate and thrive. By sharing her own unconventional journey from chemistry to central banking, she encourages young individuals from all backgrounds to see finance as an accessible and rewarding career path where their unique talents can be valued and utilised for the greater good.

The Importance of Fresh Perspectives

Kyei is a vocal champion for diversity of thought within the financial sector. She argues that for an institution such as the Bank of England to properly serve the public, it must reflect the society it represents. The organisation is actively searching for the most capable individuals, and that means drawing from the widest possible pool of talent. She believes that bringing in individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and academic training leads to better decision-making and innovation. This commitment is reflected in her role as a co-executive sponsor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the institution, a role in which she assists in driving initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and representative workforce.

A Beacon for Working Parents

Afua Kyei's advocacy for working families is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy. She frequently praises the atmosphere at the Bank of England, which has established a framework that helps working parents. She holds this value in high regard based on her own experiences. She understands the pressure many feel to select either a professional path or family life and works to create an environment where that choice is not necessary. Her leadership helps to foster a workplace that values flexibility and work-life balance. She believes this approach is not just beneficial for employees' wellbeing but is also essential for attracting and retaining the diverse talent needed for the institution's success.

An Arsenal Legend's New Mission

Ian Wright, the former Arsenal and England football legend, is placed second in the 2026 edition of the Powerlist. Since retiring from professional football, Wright has become a highly respected broadcaster in the United Kingdom. His influence extends far beyond the football pitch. He is a passionate proponent of fairness in the sporting world and has been particularly vocal in his support for the women's game, championing equal access for girls in schools. His powerful and articulate voice against racism and for social justice has made him an inspirational figure for millions, earning him an OBE for his services to football and charity.

The Matriarch of Modern Makeup

Holding the third position is Dame Pat McGrath, widely regarded as the most influential makeup artist in the world. Raised in a working-class household, she has revolutionised the beauty industry with her boundless creativity and innovative techniques. In 2015, she launched her own company, which is called Pat McGrath Labs, which grew into a billion-dollar enterprise and became the biggest selling beauty line at Selfridges. A trailblazer for diversity, her product ranges cater to all skin tones. In 2021, she became the first makeup artist to be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, a testament to her immense impact on fashion and beauty.

From Hackney to Hollywood

The Powerlist also features a host of other influential figures, including the acclaimed actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Idris Elba. Known for his powerful performances on screen, Elba also uses his platform to advocate for various social causes. The list includes entrepreneurs like Steven Bartlett, a panellist on the BBC's Dragons' Den, and Emma Grede, the co-founder of fashion brand Skims. These individuals, along with others in the top ten such as Microsoft's Pamela Maynard and Dr Martens' CEO Ije Nwokorie, represent the breadth of black excellence and influence across business, technology, and the arts within Britain today.

A Legacy of Leadership

Afua Kyei now holds the top position, succeeding the 2025 Powerlist number one, Dean Forbes. Forbes is the CEO of Forterro, a European software company, and is among a small cohort of black CEOs globally to lead a company valued at over two billion euros. His recognition highlighted his extraordinary journey in the world of technology and his commitment to philanthropy through his family's foundation. The consistent presence of such high-calibre individuals at the top of the Powerlist underscores its significance in identifying and celebrating leaders who are not only successful in their respective fields but are also dedicated to creating a positive impact on society.

Breaking Barriers on Threadneedle Street

The presence of Afua Kyei, a black woman, in such a senior position with the Bank of England is profoundly important. Historically, the leadership of Britain's major financial institutions has been overwhelmingly white and male. Her position at the executive level marks a crucial step forward for representation and diversity. As the first black executive director in the Bank's history, her appointment challenges traditional structures and opens doors for future generations. She is not just a participant in the institution; she is actively shaping its culture and policies as a co-executive sponsor for diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring a more inclusive future.

The State of Diversity in UK Finance

Despite progress, the UK's financial services sector still faces significant challenges regarding diversity. Reports show that while gender diversity on boards is improving, ethnic and socio-economic diversity at senior levels remains starkly low. Employees from working-class backgrounds are far less likely to reach senior positions compared to their peers from professional backgrounds. Research indicates that white men from wealthier backgrounds are disproportionately more likely to hold senior roles than women from ethnic minority and lower socio-economic backgrounds. This lack of representation at the top threatens productivity and means that vital talent is being overlooked across the industry.

A New Chapter of Influence

The acknowledgement of Afua Kyei as the United Kingdom's most influential black person represents a watershed moment. Her journey from a chemistry student at Oxford to a key decision-maker at the heart of the British economy is a powerful narrative of intellect, resilience, and purpose. It sends a clear message about the changing face of leadership inside Britain. Her success, along with the achievements of all those recognised on the Powerlist, provides visibility for the incredible contributions of black Britons across every sector. It is a celebration of a new chapter of influence, one that promises to inspire young people and shape a more equitable and representative future.