※This article is a reprint of a tie-up article edited and produced by Mynavi News.

 

Monex Group expands diverse businesses with the core philosophy of "enabling individual self-realization." Supporting this wide range of initiatives are the common culture and values rooted throughout the entire Group. This article focuses on the innovation born from challenges and the reality of an organization that respects diversity across borders of nationality and career paths. We spoke with Mr. Yamada and Mr. Mandai, who are active in management both in the field and across different industries, about the appeal of working at Monex Group.

 

Naofumi Yamada
Executive Officer
Monex Group, Inc.

 

Atsushi Mandai
Representative
Monex Ventures, Inc.

Monex Group’s Corporate Culture: Committed to Customer Focus and Integrity

 

―― First, how do you feel the Monex Group’s philosophy of "enabling individual self-realization" is reflected in its business and decision-making?

 

Naofumi: Our Group consists largely of two types of companies: those that were born from internal spin-offs and those that joined the Group through M&A. What is common to both is a deep alignment with our corporate philosophy. For example, Coincheck and TradeStation in the U.S. both joined through M&A, but their direction is perfectly aligned: to support customers' asset management and preservation through the "optimization of their lifetime balance sheet," thus contributing to self-realization. I feel this philosophy is firmly rooted at the core of every Group company.

 

―― Next, please tell us about the values that are commonly prioritized across the entire Group.

Naofumi: It is definitely valuing the customer. This is also an expression of respect for all stakeholders, including our employees. The Monex Group includes companies that offer non-monetary value, such as Viling, but all of them prioritize the goal of enriching people's lives through our services.

 

Innovation Born from the Field: A Climate and Culture That Supports Challenge

 

―― Are there any corporate climates or systems that the Group emphasizes to support the challenges of individual employees?

 

Mandai: The company name "Monex" itself is a coined word, moving the "y" in "Money" one step forward to "x," symbolizing the idea of always looking one step ahead. Because of this, I feel that the consciousness of "we must do something cutting-edge" is naturally rooted in our employees.

 

Atsushi: As a specific initiative, we have an annual awards program called the Idei Award.  Employees nominate those who have undertaken innovative initiatives, and winners are selected and recognized at the end of the year. This originated from the history of Mr. Nobuyuki Idei, the former chairman of Sony, supporting our founder, Oki Matsumoto. Furthermore, when implementing ideas from the field, people in other departments, such as Legal, will join in to consider how we can make it happen together. I believe this culture, where such fellowship is rooted, strongly encourages challenge.

 

Synergy and Perspective from Diversity: Practicing "The Right Person for the Right Job" Across Careers

 

―― The Monex Group is rich in diversity in terms of nationality, gender, and career paths. Have you experienced moments when this diversity led to team success?

 

Naofumi: I generally feel that many employees have a high awareness of human rights as part of our corporate culture. Rather than artificially creating diversity, I feel diversity is naturally born within a culture that respects people themselves. When different experiences and values gather, looking at the same information can lead to differing resolutions, or comments can come from unexpected perspectives. I believe the clash of such differences leads to innovation. When we talk about innovation, people often imagine creating a new technology from scratch, but in reality, it’s more often about creating an unexpected effect from existing combinations. In that sense, diverse backgrounds are extremely important.

 

Atsushi: Diversity is also effective in identifying risks. For example, when different perspectives are applied to an M&A deal—asking, "Is this truly okay?"—it allows us to verify the risks and the feasibility of the plan from multiple angles. Another benefit is that we have personnel with various backgrounds across the Group companies, and knowledge is shared as they move between firms.

 

―― Could you share any episodes that symbolize the Monex Group's culture of "fairness" and "the right person for the right job"?

 

Atsushi: Since I've been at Monex since I graduated, I can't compare it to other companies, but I rarely feel any internal politics. I believe we have a culture where everything can be openly discussed. Regarding "the right person for the right job," I was entrusted with the project leader role for the smartphone investment app "ferci" in my fifth year, based on the belief that apps for young people should be planned by young people. Just as veterans are involved in back-office or senior-focused initiatives, I have the impression that assignments naturally go to the most appropriate person.

 

To Be an Organization at the Forefront of the Times: The Need for Intellectual Curiosity and Team Focus

 

―― Mr. Yamada, you are also active as an author, having won the Kono Mystery ga Sugoi! (This Mystery is Excellent!) Grand Prize for your book, Pharaoh's Secret Chamber (Pharaoh no Misshitsu). Did the work environment encourage you?

Naofumi: At the time of writing, I was involved as a specialized executive at Coincheck, and honestly, it was the busiest time since I joined Monex (laughs). However, that busyness also provided good stimulation, and when I won the grand prize, the company issued a press release. I didn't ask them to; it came from an in-company desire to "Let's definitely put this out." I was genuinely happy that they recognized diversity and I felt truly respected, not just as a statement of principle.

 

―― Some companies might tell you to focus on your job if you have time to write a novel. Mr. Bandai, what is the appeal of working at Monex?

 

Atsushi: It’s that both the business and the organization are constantly changing dynamically. When I joined around 2014, the two pillars were Monex Securities and TradeStation. Now, Coincheck has joined and Monex Securities has formed a capital and business alliance with NTT Docomo. Things that were unimaginable 10 years ago are happening one after another. In fact, the next 10 years are completely unpredictable. But that’s what makes it fun and I find the excitement in being amidst that uncertainty.

 

―― If you were to venture a guess at the unpredictable next 10 years, what future do you think awaits?

 

Naofumi: Assuming the current businesses grow, AI and crypto are still in their infancy, so I believe they will be more widely accepted and mature in the world. As a result, new services will be born and new businesses that become the next pillars should emerge. I feel that is the role of the Zero Office (New Business Division).

 

―― So, even with an unpredictable future, the goal is to always look ahead and deliver new value to the world. Finally, what is the image of the kind of person the Monex Group wants to work with?

 

Naofumi: First and foremost, someone with intellectual curiosity. Since the future is unpredictable, I don't think innovation can happen unless people are not afraid of change and can enjoy new knowledge and experiences. I want to work with people who possess deep, broad knowledge and can create new value by combining it with the contributions of others.

 

Atsushi: I agree with that fundamentally, but I would add that someone with a team-oriented mindset is also excellent – someone who acts to improve the entire organization and society, not just to advance themselves. Of course, intellectual curiosity and empathy with Monex's mission and vision remain the essential prerequisites.

 

The Monex Group, which embraces diverse businesses and multinational talent, fosters a cohesive organizational culture. The innovation born from the field and the flexible organizational management utilizing diversity are certain to lead the Monex Group to its next evolution.