SEBI Issues Mandatory Digital Accessibility Guidelines for All Regulated Entities

Objective

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a landmark directive mandating Digital Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across all regulated entities in the securities market. This move aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) and follows the Supreme Court’s April 30, 2025 judgment, which recognized digital access as a fundamental right under the right to life and personal liberty.

Applicability

These guidelines apply to all SEBI-regulated entities (REs), including:

• Stock Exchanges

• Clearing Corporations

• Depositories

• SEBI-registered Intermediaries (Brokers, Mutual Funds, KRAs, QRTAs, etc.)

• Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)

• BASL-supervised Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers

Key Provisions

SEBI has mandated that all Digital Platforms of regulated entities must:

1️⃣ Comply with Accessibility Standards

• WCAG 2.1 or latest version

• GIGW – Guidelines for Indian Government Websites

• IS 17802 – Indian Standards for ICT Accessibility

• Relevant provisions of RPwD Act, 2016 and Rules

2️⃣ Accessibility Features

• Indian Sign Language (ISL) videos

• Closed captioning for all explainer videos

• Audio descriptions and alternate text for images

• Tagged, structured, and accessible PDFs for all investor documents

3️⃣ Institutional Setup

• Appoint a Nodal Officer (default: Compliance Officer) for accessibility compliance

• Establish a grievance redressal mechanism specific to accessibility

• Ensure periodic reporting to the designated authority (SEBI, Exchanges, BASL)

4️⃣ Inclusive e-KYC & Registration

• Offer alternatives for PwDs in digital/video KYC (human-assisted KYC, voice-based verification, etc.)

• Include disability status in forms with options for support services

• Human review before rejecting any PwD application

5️⃣ Accessibility Audits

• Within 3 months – Conduct IAAP-certified Accessibility Audit

• Within 6 months – Implement remediation plans

• Conduct annual accessibility audits thereafter

6️⃣ Procurement & Vendor Compliance

• All new digital solutions must conform to WCAG, IS 17802, and GIGW

• Accessibility requirements must be included in RFPs and vendor contracts

Compliance Timelines

Why This Matters

This circular marks a significant regulatory push for inclusion in the securities market, ensuring that investors with disabilities have equal access to financial services.

Non-compliance could lead to regulatory scrutiny, penalties, and reputational risks for market participants.

How ComplianceOS AI Tool Can Help

OnFinance AI’s ComplianceOS AI Tool is built to automate and simplify adherence to SEBI’s new accessibility mandates:

✅ Circular Clause Mapping – Instantly identify relevant RPwD Act provisions for your platforms
✅ Accessibility Audit Tracking – Monitor IAAP audit schedules, findings, and remediation progress
✅ Automated Actionables – Assign tasks to teams with deadlines and escalation alerts
✅ Digital Platform Compliance Dashboard – Track accessibility status across web, mobile, and investor portals
✅ Evidence Repository – Maintain audit reports, remediation proofs, and compliance certifications

With real-time alerts and compliance health scores, ComplianceOS ensures your organization stays audit-ready and fully aligned with SEBI’s requirements.

Next Steps for Regulated Entities

1. Review all investor-facing digital platforms for accessibility gaps

2. Appoint an IAAP-certified Accessibility Auditor

3. Initiate accessibility audits and prepare remediation plans

4. Integrate compliance tracking through tools like ComplianceOS AI

5. Submit mandatory reports to the appropriate authority within deadlines

For more information
Read the full circular: SEBI Circular Link
For a demo of ComplianceOS AI Tool tailored to accessibility compliance, contact:
📧 [email protected] | 📞 +91-7233089282