Description

SEBI extends compliance deadlines for digital accessibility requirements under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and updates reporting authority for IAs and RAs to BSE Ltd.

Summary

SEBI has extended compliance timelines for digital accessibility requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 following representations from regulated entities. The circular also updates the reporting authority for Investment Advisors (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) from BASL/SEBI to BSE Ltd.

Key Points

  • Extension granted for all six compliance requirements ranging from 1 month to next financial year
  • Reporting authority for IAs and RAs changed to BSE Ltd. for digital accessibility compliance
  • Extensions apply to compliance reports, digital platform lists, auditor appointments, accessibility audits, remediation, and annual compliance
  • Original circular dated July 31, 2025 mandated compliance with digital accessibility standards

Regulatory Changes

  • Reporting Authority Update: IAs and RAs must now report digital accessibility compliance to BSE Ltd. instead of BASL and SEBI respectively
  • Timeline Extensions: All compliance deadlines extended based on regulated entity representations
  • Stock Brokers/Depository Participants continue reporting to Stock Exchanges/Depositories
  • MIIs and other regulated entities continue reporting directly to SEBI

Compliance Requirements

  • Compliance Report: Submit action taken report by September 30, 2025 (extended from August 30)
  • Digital Platform List: Submit list of digital platforms by September 30, 2025 (extended from August 30)
  • IAAP Certified Auditor: Appoint accessibility professional by December 14, 2025 (extended from September 14)
  • Accessibility Audit: Conduct audit by April 30, 2026 (extended from October 31, 2025)
  • Remediation: Complete findings remediation by July 31, 2026 (extended from January 31, 2026)
  • Annual Compliance: First annual audit report due April 30, 2027 (extended from April 30, 2026)

Important Dates

  • September 30, 2025: Compliance reports and digital platform lists due
  • December 14, 2025: IAAP certified accessibility professional appointment deadline
  • April 30, 2026: Accessibility audit completion deadline
  • July 31, 2026: Remediation completion deadline
  • April 30, 2027: First annual compliance report due

Impact Assessment

The extensions provide regulated entities additional time to implement digital accessibility requirements, reducing immediate compliance pressure. The consolidation of IA and RA reporting to BSE Ltd. streamlines the reporting process and may improve compliance monitoring efficiency. This is primarily an operational adjustment with minimal direct market impact but important for ensuring accessibility compliance across the securities market ecosystem.

Impact Justification

Important compliance extension affecting all regulated entities with specific focus on IAs and RAs, but operational rather than market-moving