Description

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

Summary

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

Key Points

  • Timeline extensions granted for various 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 provided in response to representations from Regulated Entities
  • All regulated entities must ensure digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities

Regulatory Changes

  • Reporting authority for Investment Advisors and Research Analysts changed from BASL/SEBI to BSE Ltd
  • Extended timelines for all six compliance requirements under the digital accessibility circular
  • Annual compliance reporting moved to next financial year (April 30, 2027)

Compliance Requirements

  • Submit compliance/action report pertaining to circular clauses (by Sept 30, 2025)
  • Submit list of digital platforms provided to investors (by Sept 30, 2025)
  • Appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals as Auditor (by Dec 14, 2025)
  • Conduct accessibility audit for digital platforms (by April 30, 2026)
  • Remediate audit findings ensuring compliance (by July 31, 2026)
  • Annual compliance reporting with accessibility audit results (by April 30, 2027)

Important Dates

  • September 30, 2025: Compliance report and digital platforms list submission
  • December 14, 2025: Appointment of IAAP certified accessibility auditor
  • April 30, 2026: Complete accessibility audit of digital platforms
  • July 31, 2026: Complete remediation of audit findings
  • April 30, 2027: First annual compliance report submission

Impact Assessment

Provides regulatory relief to market participants while maintaining commitment to digital accessibility. The extensions allow adequate time for proper implementation of accessibility measures, particularly beneficial for smaller entities that may need additional resources to comply with technical requirements.

Impact Justification

Provides regulatory relief through timeline extensions but maintains mandatory compliance requirements for digital accessibility