Description
SEBI extends timelines for digital accessibility compliance under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and updates reporting authority for IAs and RAs to BSE Ltd.
Summary
SEBI has extended timelines for compliance with digital accessibility requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and updated the reporting authority for Investment Advisors (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) from BASL and SEBI respectively to BSE Ltd.
Key Points
- Extension of compliance timelines granted based on representations from Regulated Entities
- Reporting authority for IAs and RAs changed to BSE Ltd. for digital accessibility compliance
- Multiple compliance requirements with staggered deadlines extended by 1-6 months
- Annual accessibility audit requirement timeline adjusted to next financial year
Regulatory Changes
- Reporting authority for Investment Advisors and Research Analysts modified from BASL/SEBI to BSE Ltd.
- Updated reporting structure: Stock Brokers/DPs report to Stock Exchanges/Depositories, IAs/RAs to BSE Ltd., MIIs and other REs to SEBI
Compliance Requirements
- Submit compliance/action report on digital accessibility circular provisions
- Provide list of digital platforms offered to investors
- Appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals as auditors
- Conduct accessibility audits for digital platforms
- Remediate audit findings and ensure compliance
- Conduct annual accessibility audits with reports to SEBI
Important Dates
- September 30, 2025: Submit compliance report and list of digital platforms (extended from August 30, 2025)
- December 14, 2025: Appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals (extended from September 14, 2025)
- April 30, 2026: Complete accessibility audits (extended from October 31, 2025)
- July 31, 2026: Complete remediation of audit findings (extended from January 31, 2026)
- April 30, 2027: Annual accessibility audit compliance (extended from April 30, 2026)
Impact Assessment
The timeline extensions provide relief to regulated entities struggling to meet the original deadlines for digital accessibility compliance. The consolidation of reporting for IAs and RAs under BSE Ltd. streamlines the regulatory process and reduces administrative burden. This affects all digital platforms used by these entities to serve investors, potentially requiring significant technical upgrades to meet accessibility standards.
Impact Justification
Affects compliance timelines and reporting structure for IAs and RAs regarding digital accessibility requirements