SEBI Mandates Digital Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities Across All Regulated Entities [Read Circular]
SEBI has mandated all regulated entities to make their digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive access to financial services
SEBI Mandates Digital Accessibility
SEBI Mandates Digital Accessibility
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular dated July 31, 2025, mandating that all SEBI-regulated entities must make their digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs).
This circular is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s judgment dated April 30, 2025, which ruled that digital access is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities, as part of their right to life and personal liberty.
The court had directed various authorities, including SEBI, to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to online services, especially those related to essential services like finance and banking.
Who Must Follow the New Rules?
The circular applies to a wide range of SEBI-regulated entities, including:
- Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations
- Depositories
- Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies
- Stock Brokers and Depository Participants
- Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers
- KYC Registration Agencies
- All other SEBI-registered intermediaries
These are collectively referred to in the circular as “Regulated Entities” (REs).
What Must Be Done?
All digital platforms including websites, mobile apps, and client portals must be made accessible in line with the following key standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or the latest version
- Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW)
- Indian Standards (IS 17802) for digital accessibility
- Provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and related rules
This includes ensuring features like Indian Sign Language videos, screen-reader-friendly PDFs, alternative text for images, closed captions, and human-assisted KYC options for those with visual or hearing impairments.
Step-by-Step Timeline for Compliance
SEBI has laid out a clear timeline for regulated entities to achieve compliance:
- Within 1 Month: Submit a list of all digital platforms and a compliance report to the relevant authority.
- Within 45 Days: Appoint a certified accessibility auditor (recognized by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals or IAAP).
- Within 3 Months: Conduct a full accessibility audit of all digital platforms.
- Within 6 Months: Fix any problems identified during the audit and achieve full compliance.
All entities are also required to submit annual reports on their accessibility compliance within 30 days of the end of each financial year.
Additional Requirements
- Each regulated entity must appoint a senior Nodal Officer responsible for implementing and monitoring digital accessibility.
- A grievance redressal system for accessibility-related complaints must be set up and be easy for PwDs to use.
- All new digital platforms and software must meet the required accessibility standards from the start.
- Training programs must be conducted to educate employees and vendors on how to build and maintain accessible digital systems.
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