Banks have traditionally struggled to find a profitable business model in impoverished areas, where the cost of operating a branch office usually outweighs whatever profits it can achieve.

CNN: Mobile money transfers may infuse developing world

Ms. Stewart, who goes by "Cece, " was hired in 2010 to reinvigorate a business that boasts the highest average deposits per branch among top lenders but generates lower profits than those peers.

WSJ: Citibank's Overhauled Retail Strategy Shows Uneven Results

The American branch of the corporation would retain more of its profits to invest and create jobs here.

FORBES: Is 95% of the Trade Imbalance Legal Tax Evasion?

In other words, UK companies do not pay corporation tax to another country on the profits from sales in that country, unless they trade through a branch based there.

FORBES: No, Really, Apple Just Isn't Doing Any Tax Avoidance In Europe

Non-resident trading companies which do not have a branch in the UK, but have UK customers, will therefore pay tax on the profits arising from those customers in the country where the company is resident, according to the tax law in that country.

FORBES: Is Apple's Foreign Tax Rate Really Below 2%?

Branch office taxes can lead to trouble on Section 482 transfer pricing tax issues (where the profits are booked).

FORBES: Questions Linger Regarding New Forex Rules