Description
SEBI issues compliance guidelines for digital accessibility requirements under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 for all regulated entities.
Summary
SEBI has issued compliance guidelines for the digital accessibility circular dated July 31, 2025 (Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111) regarding mandatory compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. All regulated entities must ensure their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities through a structured audit and remediation process.
Key Points
- Regulated entities must submit list of digital platforms provided to investors
- IAAP certified accessibility professionals must be appointed as auditors
- Accessibility audits must be conducted for all digital platforms
- Remediation of audit findings is mandatory
- Annual accessibility audits and compliance submissions are required
- Stock Brokers/Depository Participants report to Stock Exchanges/Depositories
- Investment Advisors and Research Analysts report to BSE Ltd.
- Market Infrastructure Institutions and other REs report directly to SEBI
- Compliance submissions to SEBI must be sent to digital_acc@sebi.gov.in
Regulatory Changes
This circular provides detailed compliance guidelines for implementing the digital accessibility requirements mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It establishes a structured framework for:
- Identifying and listing all digital platforms serving investors
- Engaging certified accessibility professionals for audits
- Conducting comprehensive accessibility audits
- Implementing remediation measures
- Establishing annual audit cycles
The circular is issued under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 with approval of the Competent Authority.
Compliance Requirements
For All Regulated Entities:
Digital Platform List Submission: Submit comprehensive list of all digital platforms provided to investors (using Table-C1 format)
Auditor Appointment: Appoint IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) certified accessibility professionals as auditors (using Table-C2 format)
Accessibility Audit: Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of all digital platforms (using Table-C3 format)
Remediation: Complete remediation of all findings from audits and ensure full compliance (using Table-C4 format)
Annual Compliance: Submit annual accessibility audit reports for all digital platforms
Reporting Mechanism:
- Stock Brokers/Depository Participants: Report to respective Stock Exchanges/Depositories
- Investment Advisors & Research Analysts: Report to BSE Ltd.
- Market Infrastructure Institutions & Other REs: Report directly to SEBI via email at digital_acc@sebi.gov.in
For Multiple Digital Platforms: Consolidated audit reports must be submitted for all platforms together.
Important Dates
- September 30, 2025: Submit list of digital platforms (Table-C1)
- December 14, 2025: Submit details of appointed IAAP certified auditors (Table-C2)
- April 30, 2026: Submit consolidated initial accessibility audit reports (Table-C3)
- July 31, 2026: Submit consolidated final audit reports post-remediation (Table-C4)
- April 30, 2027: First annual compliance submission (within 30 days of financial year-end)
- Annually thereafter: Submit annual accessibility audits within 30 days of each financial year
Impact Assessment
Operational Impact:
- All regulated entities must audit and modify their digital platforms to meet accessibility standards
- Requires engagement of specialized IAAP certified professionals
- Ongoing compliance and annual audit obligations
- Potential platform modifications and development costs
Market Impact:
- Improves accessibility of securities market for investors with disabilities
- Enhances investor protection and inclusivity
- Standardizes digital accessibility across all regulated entities
- May require significant technology investments by regulated entities
Compliance Impact:
- Mandatory compliance with strict deadlines
- Multiple submission requirements over 21-month period
- Establishment of annual audit cycles
- Non-compliance may attract regulatory action
- Requires coordination between REs and their reporting authorities
This circular strengthens SEBI’s commitment to inclusive markets and ensures persons with disabilities have equal access to securities market digital platforms.
Impact Justification
Mandatory compliance requirement affecting all regulated entities with specific deadlines and audit requirements to ensure digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities