Understanding SEBI’s Digital Accessibility Compliance Framework for 2026!

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken a landmark regulatory step to ensure that India’s financial markets are inclusive for all users – including persons with disabilities (PwDs). Its digital accessibility compliance framework – evolving into enforceable practice in 2026 – represents a structured, phased, and enforceable roadmap for regulated entities to make their digital touchpoints accessible, usable, and legally compliant.

However, organizations were ambivalent about deadlines and reporting workflows. To address all those issues, SEBI released its clarification circular in December 2025.

SEBI is focusing on digital accessibility; why?

The digital transformation of financial services – from online trading to mobile investing, digital onboarding, and client support portals – has made accessibility a core issue in investor protection. SEBI recognizes that digital accessibility is a right for investors with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

SEBI explicitly included this in regulations and even in Investor Charters, signalling the regulatory intent to align digital accessibility with investor rights and market participation equity.

Financial entities that must comply with the regulations

The compliance framework applies to all SEBI-regulated entities (“Regulated Entities” or REs), including but not limited to:

• Stockbrokers and depository participants.
• Mutual funds, asset managers, and investment advisers.
• Stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories.
• KYC registration and onboarding agencies.
• Trading apps and investment portals.
• All digital interfaces with investor interaction.

In short, if a platform is used by investors for information, transactions, or customer support, it falls under SEBI’s digital accessibility regime.

Essential Requirements of SEBI’s Digital Accessibility Framework (2025–26)

• Assess & report accessibility readiness

By March 31, 2026, every regulated entity must submit a Digital Accessibility Readiness & Compliance Status Report covering all investor-facing digital platforms – including websites, mobile apps, trading terminals, CRM portals, onboarding systems, and more. The report must include:

• a. URLs or digital addresses for every platform.
• b. Current compliance status against accessibility standards.
• c. Level of compliance (e.g., WCAG AA level – the international benchmark).
• d. Identified accessibility gaps and remediation timelines.
• e. Operational or technical challenges faced.

This readiness report replaces earlier strict timelines for auditor appointment and accelerated transparency over rigid deadlines.

• Implement international accessibility standards

Platforms must align with globally recognized accessibility standards, such as:

• a. WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA (minimum) – widely accepted international benchmark.
• b. Compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.
• c. Proper alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast text.
• d. Closed captions and transcripts for multimedia.
• e. Supportive design for users with vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.

Integrating these standards ensures inclusivity across diverse accessibility needs -from visual impairments to hearing challenges.

• Accessibility audits and remediation

While SEBI previously set deadlines for entity audits and remediation of issues, the updated 2026 framework emphasizes:

• a. Periodic accessibility audits conducted by qualified professionals.
• b. Audit coverage across all digital platforms.
• c. Documentation of audit findings.
• d. Timely and documented remediation of identified gaps.

Certified accessibility professionals (e.g., IAAP-certified auditors) remain central to audit quality – ensuring that compliance is substantive rather than procedural.

• Grievance redressal & complaint mechanisms

SEBI has added an “Accessibility” complaint category on its investor grievance portal – SCORES (SEBI complaints redress system). Investors can now lodge accessibility-related complaints directly against regulated entities.

And entities must:

• a. Provide resolution and remediation timelines.
• b. Track and close accessibility issues.
• c. Ensure real-world fixes – not just audit reports.

This strengthens investor empowerment and ties compliance to accountability.

• Designated accessibility officers and reporting channels

Regulated entities are encouraged (and in some cases required) to:

• a. Appoint a dedicated Accessibility Officer responsible for compliance.
• b. Establish internal grievance cells for accessibility issues.
• c. Report compliance and remediation statuses to SEBI or designated authorities using specified formats and channels (e.g., email to SEBI’s digital accessibility inbox).

SEBI’s digital accessibility framework is crucial!

• Investor protection & inclusion

By embedding digital accessibility into regulatory compliance, SEBI ensures that all investors including users with disabilities can access information and transact independently and securely.

• Alignment with National Law

The framework aligns with India’s RPwD Act, 2016, and related rules, strengthening compliance with federal accessibility law.

• Market confidence & digital equity

An accessible financial ecosystem enhances trust, expands investor participation, and signals India’s commitment to equitable digital transformation.

Read more: AI Automated Accessibility widget vs Manual Accessibility service

In a nutshell,

SEBI’s digital accessibility compliance framework for 2026 is a significant shift in Indian financial regulation – from optional accommodations to enforceable, rights-based digital inclusion. Regulated entities must move beyond checklists to embed accessibility into design, audit, reporting, and grievance mechanisms.

As the compliance cycle unfolds through 2026 and beyond, digital accessibility will become an entrenched aspect of responsible, investor-centric financial services.

Preparing for SEBI’s 2026 digital accessibility compliance requires more than periodic checks – it calls for practical, scalable solutions. The accessibility widget helps financial institutions and regulated entities identify accessibility gaps, improve usability, and support WCAG-aligned digital experiences across websites and platforms. With ongoing scanning, monitoring, and user-friendly accessibility features, the widget supports compliance readiness while improving access for diverse users. Explore how an accessibility widget can complement broader remediation efforts and support regulatory expectations. Reach out hello@skynetindia.info for more information.