The DJ who found a new beat in trading

For many, trading is seen as a world of charts, data, and analysis—a realm far removed from creativity. It’s often thought of as incompatible with the expressive, free-spirited nature of artists and musicians. Yet, both demand the ability to read a room—or a market—and the focus to stay ahead of the curve.

For someone like Niel Recinto, who has lived in both worlds, the parallels are striking. As a DJ, Recinto learned to craft experiences for thousands of listeners, reading their energy and staying five steps ahead to keep the crowd moving. As a trader, he applies those same skills to financial markets, anticipating trends, managing risks, and staying calm under pressure.

During the pandemic, when lockdowns brought live events to a halt, and corporate work became stagnant, Recinto was forced to reevaluate his path. Trading, once a last resort, became a new way forward. 

His story is one of reinvention, proving that even the most contrasting pursuits can intersect when guided by the right mindset.

The pandemic pivot

At just 21 years old, Recinto was living a good life. By day, he worked in the marketing department for one of the largest companies in the Philippines. By night, he pursued his passion as a DJ, frequenting clubs and living the life of the party. While he casually traded, it was always the last priority, not giving it much thought.

At the peak, he performed at festivals and events for thousands of listeners—moments he considers some of his greatest achievements.

But when the pandemic hit, his world was turned upside down. His corporate job transitioned to remote work, leaving him with no tasks and a reduced salary. Meanwhile, lockdowns shut down live events, cutting off his secondary income as a DJ.

“Trading was the only option left,” he told The Crypto Radio. But the shift was anything but smooth. Delving into trading, Recinto faced a steep learning curve and lost ₱250,000 ($4,260) early in his journey. “That was hard-earned money,” he said, reflecting on the difficulty of starting over.

Rebuilding through trading

Despite the setback, he found a way forward. “I realized my identity wasn’t tied to my job or my losses,” he said. “It gave me a chance to reset.”

With time on his hands, Recinto immersed himself in understanding the fundamentals of finance and trading. 

His strategies have evolved to include futures trading, copy trading, and AI-powered bots. Over time, his efforts began to pay off. Recinto transformed trading from a desperate move into a thriving pursuit.

His interest in crypto started before the pandemic, when he turned a ₱200 Dogecoin investment into ₱46,000 in 15 minutes, riding the wave of an Elon Musk tweet. “That was a thrill,” he said, “but I’ve since shifted my focus to more stable assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.”

Today, Recinto is partnered with some of the biggest names in finance and crypto, including BlackRock, Trust Wallet, OKX, and Binance, and he uses these platforms to diversify his income streams and expand his reach.

His achievements are reflected in his lifestyle—purchasing a plot of land on an island near the city, securing a top-floor condominium unit, and contributing to building a family home in his hometown. In 2024 alone, he traveled internationally five times, a testament to the freedom his trading success affords him.

Recognizing the value of his hard-earned lessons, he earned licenses as a financial wealth planner and insurance agent. Today, he’s also a financial social media influencer, sharing insights to help others navigate their financial journeys.

Navigating two vastly different industries wasn’t easy. As a DJ, Recinto faced disrespect—like an audience member who bossed him around, expecting him to follow them on social media because they were a paying customer, only to change their attitude after discovering his influence.

Similarly, during a TikTok live session on financial concepts, comments like “Aren’t you just a DJ?” underscored the stereotypes he encounters. “It used to bother me,” he said, “but now, I let my work speak for itself.

Balancing creativity and discipline

For Recinto, DJing and trading share an essential similarity: the flow state. “When I’m behind the turntables or analyzing markets, it’s about being present while thinking ahead,” he explained.

This flow state isn’t something he leaves to chance; it’s something he manufactures through a philosophy based on a Venn diagram of happiness, gratitude, and a vision for the future. “When these elements align, you’re in the zone—you’re unstoppable,” he said.

While DJing and trading remain his primary focus, Recinto has also found a deep connection to martial arts, a hobby that has earned him medals. “Martial arts teaches discipline and focus,” he explained. “It’s about staying calm in chaos, which helps me in everything I do.”

Empowering through knowledge

“Money isn’t just about earning—it’s a skill,” he said, explaining five aspects of it: earning money, managing money, growing money, protecting money, and giving money.

If his financial philosophy had a soundtrack, it would be Pitbull and Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life (Remixed), with lyrics that echo his mindset: "Don’t let it scare you out of living."

Now 27, Recinto continues to excel as a trader, DJ, martial artist, and financial mentor. His journey is a testament to the idea that success isn’t confined to one path—it’s built on resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others succeed.