On December 8, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released an important circular offering clarity on its earlier directives related to digital accessibility for Regulated Entities (REs). This update follows a series of circulars issued between July and September 2025, aimed at ensuring that all investor-facing digital platforms across India’s securities market become more inclusive and accessible.
What Prompted the Clarification?
SEBI’s digital accessibility framework is designed to ensure that all investors—including those with disabilities—can seamlessly access services offered through websites, mobile applications, and other online platforms. As the securities market increasingly shifts to digital infrastructure, ensuring equal access is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial step toward building a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
The latest circular consolidates expectations, extends certain deadlines, and clarifies compliance responsibilities for stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, mutual fund associations, portfolio managers, registered intermediaries, and other regulated bodies.
Key Clarifications and Compliance Requirements
1. Investor Right to Digital Accessibility
SEBI announced that the “Investor’s Right to have Digital Accessibility” will now be included in the Investor Charters applicable to each category of Regulated Entity. This elevates accessibility from a compliance obligation to a formal investor entitlement.
2. Revised Timeline for Accessibility Auditor Requirement
Originally, REs were expected to appoint accessibility auditors by December 14, 2025. This requirement has now been replaced with a more practical interim step:
- REs must submit their readiness and compliance status for each digital platform by March 31, 2026.
- Entities reporting directly to SEBI must email this status to digital_acc@sebi.gov.in.
This extension acknowledges the complexities involved in conducting accessibility audits across large, multi-layered digital infrastructures.
3. Standardized Reporting Format
SEBI has provided a structured reporting template in Annexure B, ensuring uniformity in disclosures. Regulated Entities must assess and report accessibility compliance for every investor-facing digital interface they operate.
4. Accessibility Complaint Redressal via SCORES
Investors facing accessibility-related issues will now be able to lodge grievances under a dedicated “Accessibility” category on SEBI’s SCORES platform.
- When such a complaint is filed, the concerned RE must resolve the accessibility barrier before the complaint can be closed.
- This step brings accessibility issues into mainstream grievance redressal, reinforcing accountability.
5. Mandatory Periodic Accessibility Audits
All REs are required to conduct periodic audits of their digital platforms, including websites, apps, and portals. These audits must be performed by certified accessibility professionals, ensuring adherence to recognized accessibility standards and best practices.
A Step Toward Digital Inclusion in Capital Markets
SEBI’s latest circular emphasizes the regulator’s commitment to protecting investors and advancing a digitally inclusive market ecosystem. By integrating accessibility into Investor Charters and strengthening the compliance framework, SEBI is setting a clear expectation: every digital platform in the securities market must be usable by every investor—regardless of ability.
The circular also reaffirms SEBI’s mandate under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act, highlighting accessibility as a core component of investor protection and market development.