In an era where digital transformation is reshaping the financial landscape, ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive and accessible to all is more crucial than ever. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a commendable step in this direction by reinforcing its commitment to equal access to financial services for persons with disabilities (PwDs), including those with visual impairments.
As a regulator that oversees the securities market, SEBI recognizes that inclusion is not just a social imperative, but a foundational element of a fair and equitable financial system. In line with this vision, SEBI has undertaken specific measures to enhance the digital accessibility of the services offered by its registered intermediaries—such as brokers, depository participants, and other market entities—for individuals with disabilities.
A key milestone in this journey is the recent revision of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on account opening processes tailored for persons with disabilities. These revised FAQs are designed to make the digital Know Your Customer (KYC) process more inclusive and user-friendly. Available under the “Know Your Client Requirements” section on the SEBI website, the updated resource—FAQ on Account Opening by Persons with Disabilities—provides comprehensive guidance to both clients and intermediaries, ensuring clarity and removing potential barriers to entry for PwDs in the securities market.
The FAQs outline specific requirements, acceptable documents, and procedural adaptations that intermediaries must follow to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. By doing so, SEBI has laid a clear framework for intermediaries to follow, ensuring that digital platforms and onboarding processes are accessible not only in form but also in function. This includes the use of screen-reader compatible interfaces, provision for assistance in documentation, and simplified procedures where appropriate.
Moreover, SEBI has mandated that all intermediaries extend their services in a manner that enables digital accessibility for clients with disabilities. This directive aligns with the broader goal of building an inclusive financial ecosystem where every investor—regardless of physical ability—can participate in wealth creation and financial growth. Intermediaries are expected to be guided by the revised FAQs, which serve as a benchmark for inclusivity in the account opening process.
This progressive move is part of SEBI’s broader vision to align its policies with the principles of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and international best practices on accessibility and inclusion. It is a timely reminder that true digital empowerment must be inclusive, and that financial institutions have a duty to ensure their platforms are usable by all segments of society.
By prioritizing accessibility and making thoughtful changes to its policies and procedures, SEBI has demonstrated that financial inclusion is not just a goal, but a continuous commitment. This initiative not only empowers persons with disabilities to take control of their financial futures but also sets a standard for other regulatory bodies and financial institutions to follow.
