Description

SEBI mandates all regulated entities to ensure digital platform accessibility compliance with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 with specific implementation timelines.

Summary

SEBI has issued a mandatory circular requiring all regulated entities to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 for their digital platforms. All stockbrokers, mutual funds, exchanges, depositories, and other SEBI-regulated intermediaries must ensure their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities within specified timelines.

Key Points

  • All SEBI regulated entities must comply with RPwD Act, 2016 provisions for digital accessibility
  • Compliance covers Sections 40, 42, and 46 of RPwD Act and Rule 15(1)(c) of RPwD Rules, 2017
  • Entities must appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals as auditors
  • Annual compliance reporting required within 30 days of each financial year end
  • Covers all digital platforms provided by regulated entities to investors

Regulatory Changes

  • New mandatory accessibility standards for all digital platforms of SEBI regulated entities
  • Introduction of certified accessibility audit requirements
  • Establishment of annual compliance reporting framework
  • Specific compliance milestones with defined timelines

Compliance Requirements

  • Within 1 month: Submit list of digital platforms and compliance/action taken report
  • Within 45 days: Appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals as auditors
  • Within 3 months: Conduct accessibility audit for all digital platforms
  • Within 6 months: Complete remediation of audit findings and ensure full compliance
  • Annual reporting: Submit compliance reports within 30 days of financial year end

Important Dates

  • Circular Date: July 31, 2025
  • Effective Date: Immediate (from date of circular)
  • First Milestone: Within 1 month (by August 31, 2025)
  • Auditor Appointment: Within 45 days (by September 15, 2025)
  • Audit Completion: Within 3 months (by October 31, 2025)
  • Full Compliance: Within 6 months (by January 31, 2026)

Impact Assessment

High Impact: This circular affects all SEBI regulated entities including stock exchanges, depositories, clearing corporations, stockbrokers, mutual funds, KYC agencies, and other intermediaries. Entities will need to invest in accessibility audits, platform modifications, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The requirement for IAAP certified auditors may create supply constraints. Non-compliance could result in regulatory action. This represents a significant operational and financial commitment for the entire securities market ecosystem to ensure inclusive access for persons with disabilities.

Impact Justification

Mandatory compliance affecting all SEBI regulated entities with specific deadlines and accessibility requirements for digital platforms