Description
SEBI extends compliance timelines 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 the compliance timelines for digital accessibility requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, originally mandated in circular dated July 31, 2025. The extension ranges from 1 month to next financial year for various compliance requirements. Additionally, the reporting authority for Investment Advisers and Research Analysts has been changed from BASL/SEBI to BSE Ltd.
Key Points
- Timeline extensions granted for all six compliance requirements under digital accessibility circular
- Reporting authority for IAs and RAs consolidated under BSE Ltd.
- Extensions granted based on representations from Regulated Entities
- Compliance requirements include accessibility audits, remediation, and annual reporting
Regulatory Changes
- Reporting Authority Update: IAs and RAs reporting changed from BASL and SEBI respectively to BSE Ltd. for both categories
- Extended Compliance Timelines: All digital accessibility compliance requirements receive extensions ranging from 1 month to next financial year
Compliance Requirements
- Compliance Report Submission: Submit action taken report - Extended to Sept 30, 2025
- Digital Platforms List: Submit list of digital platforms - Extended to Sept 30, 2025
- IAAP Certified Auditor Appointment: Appoint accessibility professionals - Extended to Dec 14, 2025
- Accessibility Audit Conduct: Complete platform audits - Extended to April 30, 2026
- Remediation of Findings: Fix audit findings and ensure compliance - Extended to July 31, 2026
- Annual Compliance: Give annual compliance for accessibility audits - Extended to April 30, 2027
Important Dates
- September 30, 2025: Deadline for compliance reports and digital platforms list
- December 14, 2025: Deadline for appointing IAAP certified accessibility auditors
- April 30, 2026: Deadline for completing accessibility audits
- July 31, 2026: Deadline for remediation of audit findings
- April 30, 2027: First annual compliance report due
Impact Assessment
The timeline extensions provide significant relief to Regulated Entities, allowing more time for proper implementation of digital accessibility requirements. The consolidation of reporting authority for IAs and RAs under BSE Ltd. simplifies the compliance process. This affects all digital platforms used by regulated entities for investor interactions, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Impact Justification
Important compliance extension affecting IAs and RAs but provides relief through extended timelines