The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for regulated entities to make their digital platforms accessible to persons with disabilities. In a circular dated 30 October 2026, the regulator gave stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories and intermediaries until 31 January 2027 to appoint an IAAP auditor, complete accessibility audits and fix the gaps found.
The relief covers three steps: appointing an auditor certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), conducting an accessibility audit of websites, mobile apps and other digital platforms, and remediating the findings. SEBI said it acted on representations from regulated entities and after reviewing their compliance status. The move adds to a busy stretch of technology-led changes at SEBI.
Who must comply with SEBI digital accessibility rules
The SEBI circular is addressed to:
- All recognised stock exchanges and clearing corporations
- All registered depositories and registered intermediaries, including brokers
- The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and the Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI)
- BSE Limited in its role as the supervisory body for investment advisers (IAASB) and research analysts (RAASB)
What the earlier circulars require
The obligations flow from the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and its rules. SEBI first set out the framework in a circular of 31 July 2025 and followed up with communications on 29 August 2025, 25 September 2025, 8 December 2025 and 31 July 2026. Together they ask market participants to make investor-facing digital services usable for people with visual, hearing and other impairments.
Only the audit and remediation timeline has moved. SEBI said all other provisions of the earlier circulars remain unchanged and must still be complied with. The circular was signed by Milind Prabhakar Gajare, Deputy General Manager, and issued under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992.
Why it matters for brokers and market platforms
Trading apps, mutual fund platforms and online investment services are now the main way most retail investors reach the market, so accessibility gaps lock out a large group of users. Audits typically test screen-reader support, captions, colour contrast and keyboard navigation. The extra three months gives firms time to bring in certified auditors and rebuild journeys, much as regulators have pushed banks to harden their digital channels through tighter cyber checks on banks and fintech APIs.
Lenders have already started on similar work: Union Bank of India added accessibility features to its Digital Rupee app, an early example of inclusive design in Indian financial services. SEBI has also stepped up oversight of digital investment channels, as seen in the licensing of online bond platforms.
Key takeaways
- New deadline of 31 January 2027 for IAAP auditor appointment, accessibility audit and remediation.
- Applies to exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, intermediaries, AMFI, APMI and BSE as IAASB and RAASB.
- All other digital accessibility requirements stay in force without change.
FAQ
What is the new SEBI digital accessibility deadline?
Regulated entities have until 31 January 2027 to appoint an IAAP auditor, audit their digital platforms and remediate the findings.
Which law do the SEBI accessibility rules come from?
They implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the rules made under it.
Featured image: SEBI Bhavan, Mumbai. Photo: Jimmy vikas / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
