Finance Watch, the public advocacy group that gives a voice to those affected by the financial crisis, is celebrating its third birthday this summer. Many thought it would not last.

In 2010, as new regulations were being shaped to reform markets, 22 MEPs wanted an organisation that could represent the interests of Europe's women and men on the street. Ten founded Finance Watch - some financing its early days with personal donations - and set about recruiting a professional with street cred to run it.