SEBI framework on Digital Accessibility/KYC for persons with disabilities
Sep 01, 2025/
Complinova Team/
SEBI-Regulations
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular mandating that all the Regulated Entities (REs) including stock exchanges, brokers, mutual funds, depositories, KYC agencies, investment advisors, and portfolio managers should ensure their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs), in alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. All REs shall ensure that their Digital Platforms and content published on the digital platform shall strictly adhere to the accessibility standards and guidelines.
Applicable Entities-
- SEBI registered/ recognised intermediaries (such as Stockbrokers, mutual funds, KYC Registration Agencies, QRTAs, etc.)
- Market Infrastructure Institutions (Stock Exchanges, Depositories and Clearing Corporations) regulated by SEBI
.
Responsibilities-
- The circular must be reviewed and approved by the Managing Director, Managing Partner, or Proprietor.
- A senior staff member must be designated as the Nodal Officer responsible for accessibility compliance. In absence, the Compliance Officer or Proprietor assumes responsibility.
- A grievance redressal mechanism specific to accessibility issues shall be institutionalized within the REs.
Reporting Requirements-
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S No
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Compliance Requirements/ Reports
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Timeline (Original)
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Timeline (Extended)
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1.
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A compliance/ action taken report pertaining to the clauses of this circular
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within 1 month of the issuance of the Circular i. e 30th August 2025
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30th September 2025
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2.
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A list of digital platforms provided by REs for the investors
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within 1 month of the issuance of the Circular i. e 30th August 2025
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30th September 2025
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3.
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Appointment of IAAP certified accessibility professionals as Auditor
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within 45 days i.e 14th September 2025
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14th December 2025
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4.
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Conduct of Accessibility Audit for the digital platforms
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within 3 months i.e 31st October 2025
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30th April 2026
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5.
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Remediation of findings from the audit and ensuring compliance with this circular
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within 6 months i.e 31st January, 2026
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31st July, 2026
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6.
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Annual audits and reporting
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within 30 days of end of financial year i.e 30th April 2026
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30th April 2027
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Reporting Authority
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S No
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Regulated Entity
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Reporting Authority
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1.
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Stock Brokers/ Depository Participants
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Stock Exchanges / Depositories
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2.
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Investment Advisor and Research Analysts
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BSE Ltd
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3.
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MIIs and rest of the Res
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SEBI
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Any comments / feedback / corrections, most welcome. Please contact:
Team Complinova
https://www.complinova.com/
Mobile: +91 95773 96773