The founder of an international microlending bank, which has a United States affiliate that was considering opening a federal credit union in North Carolina, is in the middle of an internal power struggle.

There are conflicting reports on whether Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, a microlending bank formed in Bangladesh, has been forced out. The New York Times reported March 2 that Yunus was terminated as managing director of Grameen Bank, citing a statement from the bank's chairman, Muzammel Huq.

The termination was allegedly due to improper oversight and governance, including an alleged $100 million donation by the Norwegian government for housing loans to another nonprofit affiliate of Grameen, among other factors, The Times reported. A government investigation in Norway confirmed that the money had been improperly moved but said that it was returned to its rightful place and that no money had been stolen or misused, according to the newspaper.