SEBI’s Digital Accessibility Mandate: A New Era for Inclusive Finance in India
In a groundbreaking move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all regulated financial entities - including banks, brokers, mutual funds, stock exchanges, and depositories - make their digital platforms fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
This initiative reflects India’s growing recognition that digital accessibility is a human right, reinforcing inclusivity in the financial ecosystem.
Why does this matter?
Digital accessibility ensures that every user - regardless of ability - can navigate, understand, and interact with online content. For financial institutions, it’s not only a compliance requirement but a strategic opportunity to enhance customer trust and expand their audience.
The compliance framework
Under SEBI digital accessibility directive, organizations must ensure that their websites, mobile apps, and investor communication tools comply with:
- IS 17802:2021 — India’s national standard for digital accessibility.
- WCAG 2.1 (or higher)— The global benchmark for web accessibility.
- GIGW 3.0— Guidelines for Indian government websites.
SEBI has outlined a phased compliance timeline, requiring submission of platform lists, appointment of certified accessibility auditors, completion of audits, and full remediation by mid-2026, followed by an annual accessibility audit.
Key Deadlines at a glance!
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Platform list & preliminary compliance report | September 30, 2025 |
| Appointment of IAAP-certified auditor | December 14, 2025 |
| Accessibility audit completion | April 30, 2026 |
| Issue remediation | July 31, 2026 |
| Annual audit & final compliance report | April 30, 2027 |
Strengthened Reporting Mechanism
Now, each class of entity has a clearly defined reporting structure:
- Investment Advisers and Research Analysts → Report to BSE Limited
- Brokers and Depository Participants → Report through their exchange or depository
- Market Infrastructure Institutions → Report directly to SEBI
This restructuring simplifies compliance oversight and enhances accountability.
Making Investor Communications Accessible
Financial entities must also ensure accessible investor documentation, including:
- Screen reader-friendly and accessible PDFs
- Closed captions and transcripts for multimedia
- Alternate content formats such as audio, ISL, or large print versions
This move ensures that all investors receive equal access to essential financial information.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply could lead to regulatory scrutiny, loss of investor trust, and potential penalties under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Accessibility is no longer optional - it’s a core compliance and ethical requirement.
How can Skynet Technologies help with India website accessibility SEBI directives?
We can help you to get preliminary compliance within 24 hours and get automated accessibility preliminary compliance report done. Our team conducts an in-depth accessibility audit, followed by targeted issue remediation to address all identified barriers. To improve compliance, we provide an annual audit, consulting, and a final compliance report like VPAT and ACR, giving institution confidence that every digital touchpoint, from websites to portals is accessible, user-friendly, and fully aligned with WCAG, GIGW 3.0, and RPwD Indian accessibility standards.
For organizations looking for a quick and cost-effective way to enhance India Website accessibility as per SEBI Digital Accessibility Directive, All in One Accessibility supports Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Dogri, Gujarati, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, and over 140 plus languages; supporting all platforms and improves financial inclusivity for all users. Together, these solutions empower India and Global financial institutions to stay SEBI Digital Accessibility compliant, inclusive, and ahead in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Reach out [email protected] for more information.
