The proposal for local banks to carry out third-party clearing for the European banks comes on the back of a decision by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in October 2022 to de-recognise the Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL). ESMA's step came after the RBI refused to permit the foreign body rights of inspection and audit over the CCIL, which hosts the trading platform and provides guaranteed settlement for Indian government bonds and interest rate derivatives. Pending a resolution of the matter, foreign banks have a deadline of October 2024 to stop transacting with the CCIL.