Sebi Pushes Digital Accessibility Compliance Deadline to January 31

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced an extension for regulated entities to fulfill critical digital accessibility requirements. The new deadline for compliance is now January 31, 2026. This extension comes after Sebi received requests from market participants and assessed the progress made toward meeting the standards.

In a circular issued on October 30, Sebi clarified that the deadline extension covers several important areas. These include the appointment of an auditor accredited by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), the completion of accessibility audits on digital platforms, and addressing any issues identified during those audits. These steps are essential for ensuring that digital platforms operated by regulated entities comply with accessibility standards.

The digital accessibility mandates stem from Sebi’s earlier directives aimed at enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This legislation, along with its associated rules, requires all regulated entities under Sebi’s jurisdiction to make their digital services accessible to persons with disabilities. The move aligns with broader global efforts to improve digital inclusivity across financial and regulatory services.

Sebi has been actively monitoring the progress on this front. The latest circular mentions that the regulator reviewed representations from multiple regulated entities seeking more time to submit their compliance status. After evaluating these requests and considering the current state of implementation, Sebi decided that extending the deadline would allow entities to better align with the accessibility requirements without compromising on quality or thoroughness.

This extension follows a series of communications from Sebi throughout 2025. The regulator issued five reminders and guidelines between July and December of this year, emphasizing the importance of compliance. These previous circulars outlined the responsibilities of regulated entities, the timelines for compliance, and the standards to be met.

The requirement to appoint an IAAP-certified auditor is a significant element of Sebi’s guidelines. These auditors possess specialized expertise in accessibility standards and help ensure that digital assets meet legal and technical benchmarks. Following the audit, entities are expected to take corrective actions to fix any shortcomings identified, improving overall accessibility for users with disabilities.

This development reflects Sebi’s commitment to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem. As digital platforms play an increasingly central role in the delivery of financial services, ensuring they are accessible to all users is a critical objective. The regulator’s approach also mirrors global trends where financial authorities and service providers are enhancing accessibility to comply with evolving legal frameworks and social expectations.

For regulated entities, this announcement provides an opportunity to finalize compliance efforts with a clear timeline. It also underscores the importance of ongoing engagement with accessibility experts and auditors to maintain standards. By meeting these requirements, entities not only fulfill their regulatory obligations but also contribute to a more equitable digital environment for all users.

As the January 31, 2026 deadline approaches, Sebi is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely. Entities are encouraged to utilize the extension period effectively to complete audits and remediation. This will help ensure that digital platforms operated under Sebi’s oversight are fully compliant with accessibility laws and guidelines, supporting the rights of persons with disabilities as mandated by Indian law.