net branching
n.— «Under the scenario, NARES was one of several shell corporations that operated under the name of “Pacific Bancorp.” The owners and directors of Pacific Bancorp granted franchise rights to do business in North Carolina to unlicensed lenders who, regulators say, operated without meaningful controls, undercutting state oversight. Moreover, by using the shell corporations, Pacific Bancorp was able to shield its involvement and potential liability in the lending process.» —“North Carolina fines mortgage lender North American Real Estate Services for ’illegal scheme'” by Lee Weisbecker Triangle Business Journal (Charlotte, North Carolina) July 6, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)