In this paper, we present our recent results on the so-called complex structures in algebras in the context relevant to the following four problems which, at rst glance, have nothing in common: (i) solubility of polynomial equations in non-associative algebras, (ii) topological/geometric properties of quadratic maps, (iii) existence of bounded solutions to quadratic di erential systems, and (iv) ellipticity of the Dirac equation. The unsolved problems related to (i)-(iv) are formulated as well.