SEBI Extends Timelines and Updates Reporting Authority for Digital Accessibility Compliance
Background
On July 31, 2025, SEBI issued a circular(Circular No. SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111) mandating all Regulated Entities (REs) to comply with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 by ensuring their digital platforms are accessible. This included requirements such as accessibility audits, appointment of certified professionals, and annual reporting.
Given the implementation challenges highlighted by market participants, SEBI has now provided an extension of timelines and clarified the reporting authority for certain intermediaries.
Key Extensions in Timelines
SEBI has granted relief across multiple compliance requirements. The revised deadlines are:
Compliance / action taken report – Extended to Sept 30, 2025
List of digital platforms – Extended to Sept 30, 2025
Appointment of IAAP-certified accessibility auditor – Extended to Dec 14, 2025
Accessibility Audit of platforms – Extended to April 30, 2026
Remediation of audit findings – Extended to July 31, 2026
Annual accessibility audit & report submission – Deferred to April 30, 2027
Change in Reporting Authority
SEBI has clarified that the reporting structure for compliance will now be as follows:
Stock Brokers / Depository Participants → Stock Exchanges / Depositories
Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) → BSE Ltd.
MIIs and all other REs → SEBI
This represents a significant shift, especially for IAs and RAs, who will now directly report to BSE Ltd. instead of BASL (for IAs) and SEBI (for RAs).
Implications for Regulated Entities
Immediate Action: Entities should prepare a detailed list of their digital platforms and initiate steps to appoint IAAP-certified professionals before the revised deadline.
Medium-Term Focus: Accessibility audits must be scheduled early in 2026 to allow time for remediation before July 31, 2026.
Long-Term Compliance: Annual audits become mandatory starting FY 2026-27, with the first compliance report due by April 30, 2027.
Conclusion
Through this circular, SEBI has balanced regulatory enforcement with operational feasibility by extending timelines and streamlining reporting authority. Regulated Entities should use this extension period proactively to upgrade their digital platforms in line with accessibility requirements, ensuring inclusivity for investors with disabilities.