SEBI directs brokers, mutual funds to make digital platforms accessible for people with disabilities

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has asked all stock brokers, mutual funds, exchanges, depositories and other market intermediaries to make their digital platforms fully accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs).

SEBI issued this new circular on July 31 to ensure that every investor, regardless of disability, can access digital services like KYC, e-KYC, trading platforms and investor documents without hurdles.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 that recognised digital access as a fundamental right under the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. SEBI said the circular aims to protect investor rights and ensure equal participation in India’s securities market.

What regulated entities must do

SEBI has made it mandatory for all regulated entities — including stockbrokers, mutual funds, KYC registration agencies and market infrastructure institutions — to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

All digital platforms must follow global and Indian accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1, Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), and IS 17802 standards for ICT products.

Entities must also add user-friendly features such as Indian Sign Language videos, captions, descriptive audio, alternative text for images and accessible PDFs. For example, KYC explainer videos must have ISL interpretation and subtitles.

Digital KYC processes must also include alternatives such as human-assisted video calls or voice support for visually impaired investors.

Strict timelines for compliance

SEBI has given deadlines:

• Within one month, firms must submit a list of their digital platforms and a compliance report.
• Within 45 days, they must appoint certified accessibility auditors.
• Within three months, they must conduct a full accessibility audit.
• Within six months, they must fix any gaps found during the audit.
• All regulated entities must also conduct annual audits and report progress every year.

Accountability and grievance redressal

SEBI has asked firms to appoint a nodal officer for digital accessibility. If an investor faces accessibility issues, there must be a clear grievance redressal system with escalation options.

Accessibility rules will also apply to new software, websites and mobile apps that regulated entities develop or buy, SEBI said.

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