As India’s financial landscape goes increasingly digital, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has emphasized digital accessibility compliance for all regulated entities. From brokerage firms and mutual fund houses to registrars and depositories - every SEBI-registered entity must ensure that their websites, mobile apps, and investor portals are accessible to people with disabilities.
This mandate not only ensures inclusion but also aligns India’s financial ecosystem with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and global accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1. However, for many organizations, achieving compliance can seem complex and costly.
This article breaks down a stepwise, budget-conscious plan to help organizations effectively meet SEBI’s digital accessibility requirements.
Understand SEBI’s Digital Accessibility mandate
SEBI’s circulars and communications align closely with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) guidelines, that needs all digital platforms to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA compliance.
This means that the organization’s financial website or portal must provide:
- Keyboard accessibility (no mouse dependency)
- Screen reader compatibility
- Text alternatives for images
- Readable color contrasts
- Accessible forms, PDFs, and data tables
Tip: Begin by mapping every digital touchpoint (website, login portals, PDFs, dashboards, mobile apps) that serves investors or the public.
Conduct an accessibility audit
A comprehensive manual accessibility audit helps organizations understand their current accessibility score and areas of improvement.
Organizations can choose between or can go for both:
- Automated accessibility tools (e.g., All in One Accessibility, WAVE, or axe) can help quickly identify and fix accessibility issues.
- Manual audits by certified accessibility experts for real-world usability testing can be done afterwards.
(It is highly recommended to go for both automated and manual approaches to achieve accessibility goals).
Please note, audit deliverables should include:
- WCAG issue list categorised by severity (Critical, Major, Minor)
- Screenshots or recordings of barriers
- Recommendations with remediation effort estimates.
Budget Tip: Start with automated testing from website accessibility checker for quick insights (as mentioned above), then invest in manual audits for critical investor journeys like account login, trading, and portfolio viewing.
Prioritize remediation based on risk and impact
Accessibility fixes can range from simple code edits to complex redesigns. To stay on budget:
- Fix high-impact pages first – homepage, product pages, investor dashboard.
- Address recurring code patterns – fixing one component (like buttons or menus) often solves multiple pages.
- Tackle documents and PDFs – SEBI filings, statements, and policy documents must be readable by screen readers.
Pro tip: All in One Accessibility is a quick assistant in remediation.
Implement and test accessibility fixes
Once the remediation plan is ready:
- Developers should follow WCAG 2.1 AA and ARIA best practices.
- Designers should ensure consistent color contrast, typography, and navigable layouts.
- QA teams should conduct assistive technology testing using tools like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.
Checklist before go-live:
- Keyboard-only navigation works on all pages.
- No flashing content or visual traps.
- Forms and charts have proper labels and descriptions.
- Dynamic data (like stock tickers) is readable by screen readers.
Obtain accessibility certification and documentation
To demonstrate SEBI compliance:
- Obtain an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
- Keep before-and-after audit reports as proof of ongoing efforts.
- Display an Accessibility Statement on the website, detailing commitment and contact for feedback.
The documentation strengthens both regulatory compliance and investor trust.
Maintain compliance with continuous monitoring
Accessibility isn’t a one-time effort. New content, updates, and third-party integrations can reintroduce barriers.
Set up a continuous monitoring plan:
- Monthly automated scans for new issues
- Annual manual accessibility review
- Accessibility training for developers, content creators, and designers
Budget-friendly approach: Subscribe to affordable monitoring platforms that integrate with the CMS or CI/CD pipeline.
Communicate and promote inclusivity
Once the digital property is compliant, highlight business efforts:
- Publish a press release or website update on achieving accessibility compliance.
- Mention accessibility improvements in annual reports or CSR communications.
- Engage investors with disabilities through feedback forms or webinars.
This not only satisfies SEBI’s intent but also builds brand equity through inclusion.
Read more: WCAG Accessibility tips for 2026 holiday campaign strategy
Wrapping up
Achieving SEBI digital accessibility compliance doesn’t have to strain the budget or timelines of an organization. A strategic approach – audit, prioritize, remediate, and maintain – helps organizations stay compliant while fostering digital inclusion.
Inclusion isn’t an expense – it’s an investment in broader market reach, reputation, and regulatory confidence.
So, want to achieve SEBI digital accessibility compliance efficiently?
Partnering with Skynet Technologies can make SEBI-focused digital accessibility compliance more practical, predictable, and budget-friendly. A dedicated team, web accessibility experts, streamlined processes, and experience across WCAG, ADA, and global accessibility standards help organizations move from assessment to implementation with confidence. If SEBI accessibility timelines or remediation tasks feel overwhelming, we are ready to support every phase - quick accessibility remediation with All in One Accessibility®, audit, development, WCAG accessibility remediation, documentation, and ongoing improvements - at a pace that fits goals. Reach out hello@skynettechnologies.com for more information.
