  We put forward the conjecture that the small numbers in the $V_\text{CKM}$
matrix, are generated by physics beyond the Standard Model. We identify as
small numbers $V_{ub}$ and the strength of CP violation, measured by
$|\text{Im}Q|$, where $Q$ stands for a rephasing invariant quartet of
$V_\text{CKM}$. We illustrate how the conjecture can be realised in the context
of an extension of the Standard Model where an up-type vector-like quark is
introduced leading to a realistic spectrum of quark masses and an effective
$V_\text{CKM}$ in agreement with experiment.
