As the global chief investment strategist for the BlackRock Investment Institute, Wei Li leads a proprietary research team that provides the world’s largest asset manager with insights on markets, economics, geopolitics and long-term asset allocation. She attributes her rapid career trajectory—she’s just 38—to her international upbringing, competitive spirit, strong math background (she’s a two-time gold medalist in the International Mathematical Olympiad) and ability to figure out how to play to her strengths as an introvert. Li spoke with Bloomberg Markets on April 20 in London about the recent banking turmoil and the unusual challenge ahead for central banks. She also offered insights into how her team is thinking about asset allocation and described her love-hate relationship with golf. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
KSENIA GALOUCHKO : How would you describe your upbringing, and what were your passions? How did you get to Cambridge?