Business

Afua Kyei leads Powerlist 2026, spotlighting the rise of Black leaders across the UK

Friday, 24 October 2025 4:09AM UTC

Afua Kyei, CFO of the Bank of England, tops the Powerlist 2026, symbolising the expanding influence of Black professionals in finance, media, sports, and beyond, celebrating a milestone anniversary dedicated to recognising Black achievement and inspiring future generations.

The Powerlist 2026 has once again highlighted the remarkable achievements and influence of Black individuals across the UK, celebrating those of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage who have made significant contributions in diverse sectors. Leading this prestigious list is Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England. As one of the most senior finance leaders in the country, Kyei oversees the financial governance of the Bank’s £1 trillion balance sheet, managing reforms and national infrastructure upgrades critical for payments systems. She is also a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, and climate disclosure, making her recognition on the Powerlist particularly notable for representing public sector leadership in financial services.

Kyei remarked on the significance of her top ranking, expressing humility and a sense of responsibility. She emphasised that the accolade is less about personal success and more about enhancing representation and visibility for aspiring talent. “When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable,” she told The Mirror. Her rise embodies the leadership, resilience, and vision that the Powerlist organisers aim to honour, illustrating the expanding opportunities for Black professionals in traditionally exclusive industries.

Following Kyei, the list features Ian Wright in second place. The former England and Arsenal footballer has successfully transitioned into a sports broadcaster and is a vocal advocate for equity in sports, amplifying important conversations about inclusion and diversity. Among the other top figures are global beauty entrepreneur Dame Pat McGrath, founder of the billion-pound Pat McGrath Labs; entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor Steven Bartlett; acclaimed actor and philanthropist Idris Elba OBE; and business leaders such as Emma Grede, CEO of Good American and founding partner of SKIMS, and Ije Nwokorie, CEO of Dr Martens. This carefully curated top ten showcases a dynamic blend of talents who are shaping industries from finance and fashion to media and sports.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Powerlist remains a vital platform for recognising Black excellence and dismantling barriers. Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media Ltd, the organisation behind the list, highlighted the transformational impact the Powerlist has had since its inception. He noted that it has created visibility, shifted societal perceptions, and most importantly, inspired young Black people by demonstrating that their ambitions are limitless. The annual celebration was held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London, co-hosted by Jeanette Kwakye MBE and Tim Campbell MBE, amplifying the event’s prestige.

Afua Kyei’s broader career adds further depth to her recognition. Since her appointment as CFO in 2019, she became the first Black senior executive in the Bank of England’s 329-year history. Her leadership extends beyond financial strategy to championing diversity and inclusion initiatives both within the Bank and in the wider community. She has been acknowledged for her work with awards such as CFO of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards UK, and more recently, the Freedom of the City of London. As a mentor and co-executive sponsor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Kyei actively engages with various businesses, charities, and educational institutions to promote progress in these critical areas.

The Powerlist 2026 also demonstrates the thriving presence of Black talent across multiple sectors in the UK. For instance, in the arts and culture realms, individuals such as interior designer Alex Dauley, fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, and photographer Misan Harriman exemplify the vibrant creativity and influence of Black professionals. In business, leaders like Adejoke Bakare, CEO of Chishuru, and Justin Onuekwusi, CIO of St. James’s Place, underscore the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation and economic growth. The list additionally recognises contributors to media, law, public service, and science, providing a comprehensive portrayal of Black excellence that transcends industries.

Ultimately, the Powerlist serves as a beacon of inspiration, shining a light on those who break down barriers and redefine success. It reminds the public that achievement knows no bounds, and that representation matters profoundly in cultivating a more inclusive society. For many, the annual ceremony is more than a celebration—it is a call to action to continue expanding opportunities and challenging the status quo, ensuring future generations can envision themselves in roles of power and influence.

📌 Reference Map:

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Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (Mirror), ^[5] (Somerville College Oxford), ^[7] (Wikipedia), ^[6] (INvolve Empower)
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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uks-most-influential-black-people-36118455 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/idris-elba-ian-wright-steven-bartlett-lewis-hamilton-edward-enninful-b1254678.html - The Standard reports that Idris Elba, Steven Bartlett, and Ian Wright have been named among the UK's most influential Black individuals in the 2026 Powerlist. The list, published by Powerful Media, recognises the UK's most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England, tops the list, followed by former England footballer and broadcaster Ian Wright. Other notable figures include Dame Pat McGrath, founder of Pat McGrath Labs, and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, known for his role on Dragons' Den. The full top ten list is provided, highlighting leaders across various industries who have made significant impacts in the UK.
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/ian-wright-bank-of-england-briton-barclays-steven-bartlett-b1254666.html - The Standard reports that Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England, has been named the UK's most influential Black person in the 2026 Powerlist. The list, published by Powerful Media, recognises the most powerful Britons of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. Ian Wright, former England and Arsenal footballer turned broadcaster, is placed second, with Dame Pat McGrath, founder of Pat McGrath Labs, in third. The article highlights the achievements of these individuals and their contributions to various sectors in the UK.
https://www.irishnews.com/entertainment/idris-elba-steven-bartlett-and-ian-wright-among-most-influential-black-britons-GM653FJWGBJEZIZIAFECGJNEMY/ - The Irish News reports that Idris Elba, Steven Bartlett, and Ian Wright have been named among the UK's most influential Black individuals in the 2026 Powerlist. The list, published by Powerful Media, identifies the UK's most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England, tops the list, followed by former England footballer and sports broadcaster Ian Wright. Other notable figures include Dame Pat McGrath, founder of Pat McGrath Labs, and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, known for his role on Dragons' Den. The full top ten list is provided, highlighting leaders across various industries who have made significant impacts in the UK.
https://www.some.ox.ac.uk/our-people/afua-kyei/ - Somerville College, Oxford, profiles Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England. Appointed in 2019, Kyei became the first Black senior executive in the Bank's 329-year history. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Bank's strategy and the financial governance of its £1 trillion balance sheet. Kyei also serves as the Bank's co-executive sponsor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and for Climate Change disclosure. She has been recognised with several awards, including CFO of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards UK in 2021, and was named in the Powerlist, which profiles 100 of Britain's most influential Britons of African heritage.
https://empower.involverolemodels.org/person/afua-kyei/ - INvolve Empower highlights Afua Kyei, the Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England, as a role model for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kyei actively promotes DEI within and beyond the banking industry, serving as a sponsor and mentor for diverse colleagues. She engages with communities, students, businesses, and charities to accelerate progress in DEI initiatives. Her contributions have been recognised through prestigious awards, including being named the most influential Black woman in the UK by Powerlist 2024 and being awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2023.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afua_Kyei - The Wikipedia page for Afua Kyei provides a comprehensive overview of her career and achievements. Kyei is a British financial executive who has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Bank of England since 2019. She was formerly the Finance Director at Barclays Bank LLC. In January 2023, Kyei was listed among the 100 most reputable Africans. She was included as one of the most influential Black people in the UK on the 2024 Powerlist. In 2023, she was elected as Honorary Fellow of Somerville College, Oxford.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative is current, published on October 24, 2025, coinciding with the Powerlist 2026 announcement. The Powerlist 2026 was officially launched on the same date, marking its 20th anniversary. ([powerful-media.com](https://powerful-media.com/press-releases/powerlist-2026-countdown/?utm_source=openai)) The Mirror's coverage aligns with this timeline, indicating freshness. No evidence of recycled or outdated content was found.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: The direct quote from Afua Kyei, "When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable," is unique to this report. No identical matches were found in earlier publications, suggesting originality. However, similar sentiments have been expressed by Kyei in other contexts, indicating consistency in her messaging.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from The Mirror, a reputable UK newspaper. While The Mirror is generally considered reliable, it has faced criticism for sensationalism in the past. However, the content in this instance appears factual and well-sourced.

Plausability check

Score: 10

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. Afua Kyei's appointment as CFO of the Bank of England in 2019 and her subsequent recognition in the Powerlist 2026 are well-documented. The list of top ten influential Black Britons, including Ian Wright, Dame Pat McGrath, and Idris Elba, is consistent with other reports. The tone and language used are appropriate for the subject matter and region.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is current, original, and sourced from a reputable outlet. The claims are plausible and corroborated by multiple sources, with no significant issues identified.

Black excellence
Powerlist 2026
Diversity and inclusion