Digital Accessibility: Sebi is coming up with a format for compliance for registered entities

Markets regulator Sebi on Monday issued a format for registered entities to report their readiness and compliance with accessibility requirements for any investor-facing digital platform so that these platforms can be used effectively by persons with disabilities.This came after Sebi issued a circular in July requiring all regulated entities to ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities.

The move was aimed at promoting inclusivity in financial services and ensuring equal access to market infrastructure for investors with disabilities.

In its circular, Sebi has issued a format for registered entities to report readiness and compliance, requiring them to disclose the URL of their digital platforms, confirm whether they meet minimum AA-level accessibility standards under the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and comment on their readiness and compliance status.

To support investors, Sebi has also enabled a special mechanism for raising accessibility-related issues. Any investor facing such challenges on the digital platforms of Regulated Entities (REs) can file complaints under the ‘Accessibility’ category on SCORES, which is already set up for this purpose.

Furthermore, the concerned RE must resolve the issue before the complaint can be closed, ensuring timely resolution and a better user experience.

To further strengthen the compliance ecosystem, Sebi has mandated that all REs conduct periodic accessibility audits of their websites, mobile apps and portals by certified accessibility professionals. These audits are designed to ensure that digital platforms remain aligned with evolving accessibility standards.