My Ikigai: Finding My Reason for Being

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." It represents what makes life worth living by combining four key elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When these align, you find your Ikigai — your reason to get up in the morning, your passion.

For me, this idea resonates deeply. My journey in financial engineering has been a pursuit of my own Ikigai, and I want to share how I have tried to embody this concept in my life and work.

What I Love

I am passionate about creating and developing innovative financial solutions—especially those that have the potential to positively impact people's lives. I have always been fascinated by the way we can use systems, data, and financial strategies to empower people.

I have spent years honing my skills as an expert in financial engineering. I founded Azzilon and developed systems like the Solactive SmartB 100, which has even outperformed major indices, such as the Nasdaq 100. The uniqueness of the Solactive SmartB 100 lies in its systematic rebalancing methodology, which adapts dynamically to market conditions, allowing it to effectively manage risk while capturing growth opportunities. My expertise lies in systematic exposure rebalancing—a technique that has been used by leading global banks to create structured financial products with real impact.

This ability to take complex financial theories and turn them into actionable systems that deliver value is a skill I have refined over decades. It is one of the pillars of my Ikigai.

What the World Needs

The world needs accessible, fair financial systems that can help people secure their futures. My mission is to bring these sophisticated financial systems to the masses—whether through publicly traded securities, funds, ETFs, or by tokenizing innovative financial products. For example, through the Solactive SmartB 100, I have helped individual investors access a level of systematic rebalancing and risk management that was previously only available to large institutions. This approach has enabled everyday people to invest more confidently, knowing they have tools that adapt dynamically to changing market conditions.

I aim to democratize access to strategies that were once only available to institutional investors. The world needs more opportunities for financial empowerment, and I want to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from the tools I create.

People from all financial backgrounds should have access to institutional-grade risk management. Rather than dictating what to buy or hold, the goal is to provide opportunities to invest in adaptive strategies that respond to changing market conditions. Access to such investments should be inclusive and available at various levels, from large investments to fractional exposure.?

What I Can Be Paid For

My financial systems, such as the Solactive SmartB 100, are already being used by leading banks to create structured products, reflecting the tangible value my work brings to the industry. I believe that doing what you love should also be financially rewarding—it’s what makes the journey sustainable.

My Ikigai in Action

With a strong sense of purpose, my mission is to democratize access to high-performance investment tools and strategies. My innovations are designed not only to benefit institutional investors but also the general population. Through my work, I strive to make cutting-edge financial engineering accessible to all, empowering people to benefit from strategies that were previously out of reach.

I am committed to maintaining a fulfilling personal life, ensuring that I am present for my family despite the demands of a global professional life. It’s not easy, but it is my mission. I love what I do, and I do what I love—this is my Ikigai.

In a way, my journey is not so different from the paths of people like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or the founders of Alibaba and Amazon. Like Steve Jobs, I have been driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for creating something meaningful. Like Elon Musk, I am motivated by a desire to solve complex problems that impact society. The founders of Alibaba and Amazon have shown how innovation and perseverance can democratize access to products and services—similar to my goal of democratizing financial opportunities for everyone. For instance, developing the Solactive SmartB 100 has been a key milestone in making institutional-grade financial tools accessible to everyday investors. They, too, have found their Ikigai by combining passion, skill, societal impact, and financial reward. They have inspired me to believe that when these elements align, the possibilities are limitless. Like them, I want the "user experience" to be significantly enhanced. In my case, the users are investors of all ranks.??

My Ikigai can be summarized as follows: “Creating and coding high-performance financial systems that democratize investment success and are used globally, making sophisticated financial tools accessible to all levels of society." Additionally, I am deeply committed to my family. I strive to be a dedicated father while pursuing my professional mission.” My family gives meaning to my work, and their support is an integral part of my journey. I want my journey to become the heritage of my loved ones.

Finding my Ikigai has not been a destination but a continuous journey—one that brings meaning and purpose to each day. I encourage you to explore these four elements in your own life and see where they intersect. It might just reveal the reason you get up every morning—your own Ikigai.

Achieving a balanced life requires a supportive network of partners, family, friends, and collaborators who share your vision and ambitions. A strong support system is crucial for this journey, as true fulfillment comes from being surrounded by people who uplift and understand your goals. Ensure your Ikigai is clearly defined and communicated to those around you—this is essential for success.