SEBI Digital Accessibility Compliance: What Should Intermediaries Do by 31 March 2026?

-




 

SEBI Digital Accessibility Compliance: What Should Intermediaries Do by 31 March 2026?

Many SEBI registered intermediaries are currently confused about what exactly needs to be done by 31 March 2026 under the Digital Accessibility circular issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Let us simplify the requirement.

 

What is the 31 March 2026 Requirement?

As per SEBI’s clarification circular dated 8th December 2025, regulated entities must submit a status of readiness and compliance for their digital platforms by 31st  March 2026.

This is not an accessibility audit deadline.

Instead, SEBI is asking entities to report the accessibility status of their investor-facing digital platforms.

The submission should include:

  • List of digital platforms (websites, mobile apps, portals)
  • Status of accessibility compliance based on WCAG guidelines (AA level)
  • Remarks explaining readiness or current compliance position

The reporting must be submitted to the appropriate reporting authority.

 

Is This Applicable to All SEBI Intermediaries?

This requirement applies to SEBI regulated entities that have investor-facing digital platforms, such as:

  • Websites
  • Mobile applications
  • Client portals
  • Investor service platforms

If an entity does not operate any investor-facing digital platform, the practical requirement may differ.

However, entities should still carefully evaluate their digital presence before concluding whether the requirement applies to them.

 

What Exactly Needs to be Submitted?

The circular provides a format for submission including:

Digital Platform Information

Sr No

URL of Digital Platform

WCAG AA Accessibility Status

Remarks

Entities must indicate whether the minimum accessibility level as per WCAG guidelines is met and provide comments on readiness or implementation status.

 

Where Should the Compliance Be Submitted?

The reporting authority depends on the category of regulated entity.

For example:

  • Stock Brokers / Depository Participants → Stock Exchanges / Depositories
  • Investment Advisers and Research Analysts → BSE Limited
  • Other regulated entities (AIFs, PMS, Merchant Bankers, etc.) → SEBI

The circular also provides a list of entities that must report directly to SEBI, including:

  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
  • Portfolio Managers
  • Mutual Funds / AMCs
  • Credit Rating Agencies
  • Custodians
  • Merchant Bankers
  • Registrars and Transfer Agents

These entities must submit their compliance status directly to SEBI.

 

Important Point: This Is Only a Status Submission

Many intermediaries assume they must complete a full accessibility audit by March 2026.

This is not the requirement.

The circular specifically asks for:

✔ Status of readiness
✔ Platform list
✔ Current compliance level

Accessibility audits and continuous compliance may follow separately.

 

Why This Matters

Digital accessibility has become an important regulatory priority as it ensures equal access to financial services for persons with disabilities.

Investors will also be able to raise accessibility related complaints on SCORES if digital platforms are inaccessible.

 

Practical Steps Intermediaries Should Take Now

Before 31 March 2026, regulated entities should:

  1. Identify all investor-facing digital platforms
  2. Conduct a basic accessibility review against WCAG AA guidelines
  3. Prepare the platform-wise compliance status report
  4. Submit the report to the correct reporting authority

 

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, or professional advice. SEBI regulated entities should consult their legal or compliance advisors before taking any decision or relying on this information.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Alternative Investment Funds

-
Image
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS Vinay Mehta Vinay Mehta is a qualified and experienced Company Secretary, Lawyer, and Commerce Graduate by and has a rich experience of almost a decade in Compliances, Governance, FEMA Matters, Regulatory reporting, Corporate Secretarial matter and deep insight and niche in AIF related matters. WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUND ? Alternative investment fund , means any fund established or incorporated in India in the form of a Trust or a Company or a Limited Liability Partnership or a body corporate which is privately pooled investment vehicle which collects funds from investors, whether Indian or foreign, for investing it in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors; and is not covered under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations 1999, or any other regulations of the board to regulate fund management a...
Read more

NISM Certification Requirements Before Launching an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)

-
  Understanding Mandatory Examinations for AIF Managers & Compliance Officers The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), through various circulars and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), has prescribed mandatory certification requirements for key personnel involved in the management and compliance of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). These certifications ensure that fund managers and compliance professionals possess adequate regulatory, operational, and risk management knowledge before managing investor capital. This article explains which NISM examination is required for which role and for which category of AIF , and why these certifications are mandatory before commencing AIF operations. 1. Certification Requirements for AIF Fund Managers / Key Investment Team A. Category I & Category II AIFs Applicable Examination: ✅ NISM-Series-XIX-D: Category I and II Alternative Investment Fund Managers Certification Examination Applicab...
Read more

Revised SEBI Framework for Angel Funds: What Startups and Investors Need to Know

-
On September 10, 2025 , the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a revised regulatory framework for Angel Funds under AIF Regulations . This move is designed to provide operational clarity, improve governance, and strengthen investor protection. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for both investors and startups. 🔑 Key Highlights of the New Framework 1. Only Accredited Investors Allowed Going forward, angel funds can raise money only from accredited investors . Existing angel funds have until September 8, 2026 to transition. During this period, they may still accept up to 200 non‑accredited investors . 2. Minimum Investor Requirement at First Close An angel fund must secure at least five accredited investors at the time of its first close . The first close must happen within 12 months of SEBI recording the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM). 3. Angel Funds Get Their Own Category Angel Funds are now recognised as a separate Category I AIF , i...
Read more