Afua Kyei, a proud Ghanaian and the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has been named the UK’s most influential black person and Ghanaians couldn’t be prouder.
Ghanaians are celebrating with immense pride as Afua Kyei, a distinguished financial leader, has been named the United Kingdom’s most influential black person in the 2026 Powerlist.
Afua Kyei: Ghanaian CFO of Bank of England Named UK’s Most Influential Black Person
The 43-year-old, who serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of England, has captured global attention for her remarkable achievements in overseeing the institution’s £1 trillion balance sheet. Her rise to this prestigious title has sparked widespread admiration, with social media buzzing about her success and Ghanaian heritage.
So, who is Afua Kyei? Born to Ghanaian parents, Kyei’s journey to the top of the UK financial sector is inspiring. A chemistry graduate from Oxford University and former junior research fellow at Princeton, she transitioned into finance, holding key roles at UBS and Barclays before joining the Bank of England in 2019. Her expertise in modernizing financial governance, including her role in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, has cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s most senior finance leaders. Ghanaians are particularly proud of her fluency in Twi, a testament to her cultural roots.
Kyei’s trending status comes on the heels of her recognition in the Powerlist 2024 and 2025, where she was named the most influential black woman in the UK, followed by the 2024 Powerlist Executive of the Year Award. Her international presence at forums like the International Monetary Fund and G20, coupled with her past contributions during the Global Financial Crisis, highlights her global impact. A recent video of her speaking fluent Twi has gone viral, delighting fans eager to hear her blend cultural pride with professional excellence.
The outpouring of support from Ghanaians reflects a shared sense of accomplishment, with many viewing her success as a beacon for young black professionals. Her appointment by former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney and her leadership during critical financial initiatives, such as the Covid Corporate Financing Facility, underscore her influence. As she continues to break barriers, Afua Kyei’s story is a powerful narrative of talent, heritage, and determination that resonates far beyond the UK.
For those eager to connect with her journey, a listen to her Twi-speaking clips offers a glimpse into the charisma that complements her stellar career. As she trends globally, Kyei remains a symbol of inspiration, with Ghanaians and the diaspora eagerly anticipating her next milestone.
