SEBI Issues Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility, Sets Timeline for Implementation

SEBI Issues Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility, Sets Timeline for Implementation

Introduction

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a notification dated September 25, 2025, introducing Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility. These guidelines aim to ensure that all SEBI-regulated entities make their digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Factual Background

The guidelines recognize the importance of digital accessibility in promoting inclusivity and equal access to information for persons with disabilities. SEBI-regulated entities are required to ensure that their digital platforms are designed and maintained to be accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Entities Covered

The guidelines apply to all SEBI-regulated entities, including:

• Stock exchanges and clearing corporations
• Depositories and depository participants
• Mutual funds and asset management companies
• Portfolio managers and merchant bankers
• Investment advisers and research analysts
• Credit rating agencies, custodians, debenture trustees, and registrars
• Alternative investment funds, venture capital funds, and others.

Compliance Timeline

1. Submit a list of all digital platforms (websites, apps, portals) by September 30, 2025
2. Appoint IAAP-certified accessibility professionals as auditors by December 14, 2025
3. Conduct initial accessibility audit of platforms by April 30, 2026
4. Complete remediation of audit findings and ensure compliance by July 31, 2026
5. Submit annual accessibility audit reports by April 30, 2027, and onwards (within 30 days of FY-end)

Reporting Mechanism

Stock brokers and depository participants: Report to their respective stock exchanges or depositories

• Investment advisers and research analysts: Report to BSE Ltd.
• Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) and others: Report directly to SEBI
• Reports must be submitted via email in the specified formats
• Entities with multiple platforms must submit consolidated audit reports

Audit Requirements

Appointment details: IAAP-certified accessibility auditors

Initial audit report: Key findings and action plans

Final audit report: Remediation measures, evidence (screenshots, certificates, URLs), and status of compliance

Annual reports: Confirming continued compliance across all digital platforms

Implications

• The guidelines will have significant implications for SEBI-regulated entities, which will need to ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities.
• The guidelines promote inclusivity and equal access to information, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Conclusion

SEBI's Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility mark an important step towards promoting digital inclusivity in the securities market. Regulated entities must comply with the guidelines and ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.