Now, it may seem rude to say this, but this comment is really aimed at the Europeans among us. If you’re an American then perhaps you’d like to turn the page and read the profile of the legendary Sean Park. Please.

OK? Now we're among friends, it's time to reflect on the European scene in financial technology and to talk about an uncomfortable truth. Compared with those coming from Silicon Valley, European tech start-ups have historically lacked ambition.