Sebi extends deadline for digital accessibility compliance

Sebi, India’s markets watchdog, has granted an extension of one month for regulated entities to fulfill their obligations under the mandatory digital accessibility framework in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The circular issued by Sebi in July mandated all regulated entities to prioritize accessibility on their digital platforms for persons with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote equality in financial services and ensure that investors with disabilities have the same level of access to market infrastructure.

Responding to requests from market participants for more time to adhere to these requirements, Sebi has decided to provide additional extensions for various compliance tasks.

Regulated entities now have until September 30 to submit their compliance and action taken reports as well as provide a list of digital platforms available for investors, which were initially due by August 30.

The deadline for appointing auditors certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals has been extended by three months to December 14, 2025. Similarly, the deadline for conducting accessibility audits for digital platforms, which was previously set for October 31, 2025, has been pushed back by six months to April 30, 2026.

Market entities now have more time to address audit findings and ensure complete compliance, with a new deadline set for July 31, 2026. Additionally, the annual requirement for accessibility audits and submission of final reports to Sebi has been rescheduled to April 30, 2027.

Sebi has also updated the reporting structure for compliance. Investment advisers and research analysts will now be required to report to the stock exchange BSE Ltd, instead of to BASL and Sebi, respectively. Stock brokers, depository participants, as well as other market infrastructure institutions and regulated entities will continue to report directly to their respective exchanges, depositories, and Sebi.

The issuance of the circular in July followed a Supreme Court ruling on April 30, 2025, recognizing digital access as a fundamental right under the right to life and liberty.

The mandate applies to all Sebi-regulated entities, including stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, brokers, mutual funds, and KYC agencies. These entities must adhere to the key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and related rules to facilitate access to their websites, mobile apps, and other platforms.

Sebi has emphasized the importance of regulated entities submitting lists of their digital platforms and compliance reports within the specified time frame to ensure accessibility for investors with disabilities.