SEBI Announces Digital Accessibility Rules for Regulated Entities

Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/131, dated 25.09.2025

1. Introduction

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility in continuation of its circular dated July 31, 2025. These guidelines are framed under the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the rules made thereunder. The initiative marks a significant step towards making digital platforms inclusive and accessible for all, especially persons with disabilities.

2. Scope and Applicability

Under the new framework, all Regulated Entities (REs) are required to identify and report the list of their digital platforms being used to deliver services or provide disclosures. This includes websites, mobile applications, portals, and any other digital interfaces used to engage with investors or the public. The objective is to ensure that these platforms comply with accessibility standards in line with statutory requirements.

3. Appointment of Accessibility Professionals

To oversee compliance, entities must appoint IAAP-certified accessibility professionals as auditors. These professionals are responsible for conducting independent accessibility audits of digital platforms to ensure that they adhere to global best practices in accessibility and user experience. By mandating certified professionals, SEBI seeks to instill credibility and technical rigor into the audit process.

4. Audit, Remediation, and Reporting

The guidelines further mandate that regulated entities conduct regular accessibility audits, identify shortcomings, and implement remediation measures to address audit findings. Entities are also required to provide annual compliance reports to SEBI within the prescribed timelines, using the specified reporting mechanism. This ensures continuous monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the adoption of accessibility standards.

5. Conclusion

Through these compliance guidelines, SEBI has reinforced its commitment to inclusive financial markets and the empowerment of persons with disabilities. By requiring regulated entities to adopt robust accessibility practices—ranging from audits to remediation and annual reporting—the regulator is fostering a more equitable digital ecosystem. The move aligns India’s financial sector with global benchmarks in accessibility while promoting transparency, accountability, and investor confidence.

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