Bank of England’s CFO Afua Kyei tops 2026 Powerlist, breaking barriers in British finance and inspiring African women in leadership.
From Ghanaian Roots to the Heart of British Finance
At just 43, Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director of the Bank of England (BoE), has been named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2026 Powerlist — an annual ranking that celebrates individuals of African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage making exceptional impact in British life. This accolade not only celebrates her personal achievement but also spotlights the evolution of Britain’s finance sector and the changing face of its leadership.
Leading the Finances of the Bank of England
Afua Kyei joined the Bank of England in 2019 and is one of the most senior executives in British finance. In her role, she is responsible for:
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Overseeing the financial governance of the Bank’s balance sheet — which during the pandemic surpassed £1 trillion.
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Managing funding reforms, investment strategy, budgeting, performance and financial risk for one of the world’s most influential central banks.
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Sharing executive leadership of the Bank’s culture, strategy and change agenda — including embedding diversity, resilience, and modern governance.
Her leadership became especially critical during periods of heightened instability — Brexit, the pandemic, global inflation and cost-of-living crises. Her stewardship of financial strategy adds to the Bank’s resilience and relevance.
A Scholar with a Non-Traditional Path
Kyei’s academic roots lie not in finance but in science. She studied Chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford, then won a junior research fellowship in organic chemistry at Princeton University.
Subsequently, she trained as a chartered accountant, worked in investment banking during the global financial crisis, and held CFO roles in commercial banking (notably at Barclays Bank) before joining the BoE.
Born to Ghanaian parents who moved to the UK to study, Kyei credits them for instilling values of resilience and purpose. Her journey — from chemistry labs, to banking desks, to central-bank boardrooms — challenges conventional career paths and offers a fresh narrative for young African professionals in finance.
A Role Model for African Women in Leadership
For many young Africans — especially women — Afua Kyei’s rise represents a powerful new archetype of leadership: a Black woman leading financial governance at the heart of a G7 economy.
She has observed how representation influences ambition:
“If you don’t see role models who you can identify with … it suggests a glass ceiling and can affect morale and willingness to buy into the leadership vision.”
At the Bank, she also serves as Co-Executive Sponsor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and engages in mentorship and culture-change initiatives.
Her story offers a blueprint for African professionals aiming for top leadership roles in finance, governance and corporate culture: excellence, persistence, and representation matter.
Afua Kyei In Her Own Words
“You don’t need to be a mathematician or an economist. What we’re looking for is fresh perspectives and the best people.”
“There will be barriers … but there will always be key people, who believe in you, and who will help you figure it out during the toughest times.”
“Representation from the top sends out a signal, both to the organisation and about the organisation.”
“It’s when we see the Bank at its best — expecting the unexpected and being able to respond quickly.”
“What I would like to see more than anything is for diverse people to be fully accepted and valued when they are ordinary, not just when they are exceptional.”
These lines give voice to her commitment to inclusion, resilience, strategic thinking and non-traditional routes to success.
Legacy and Inspiration
Kyei’s recognition at the top of the Powerlist affirms that her influence extends beyond finance: it signals a shift in British leadership, and holds significance for Africa.
Her elevation reflects not just personal ambition, but systemic change — the growing presence of African-heritage women in senior roles within institutions once dominated by narrow demographics.
For Nigerian-African audiences, her story holds resonance: global finance, public-sector leadership, and inclusive governance are connected. The intersection of her Ghanaian heritage, UK-based career and central-bank leadership speaks to the diaspora and to Africa’s next generation of leaders in finance and governance.
Her path underlines three key lessons:
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Embrace non-traditional backgrounds — Your degree or first job doesn’t define your destination.
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Lead with purpose — Finance leadership at the Bank is less about numbers and more about mission: “to promote the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability.”
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Champion representation — Visible leadership matters, especially for women and Black professionals who still seek more senior role models.
As the UK’s financial system evolves — through digital payments, climate disclosure, international coordination and reform of central-bank funding models — Afua Kyei stands at the centre of change. Her story signals that Africa’s talent can be at the heart of major global institutions, driving governance and shaping future pathways.
