#InclusiveFinance #SEBI #AccessibilityForAll #DigitalEquality #DisabilityRights #PwDs #AccessibleInvesting #KYCForAll #FinancialInclusion
Chandigarh — In a groundbreaking move set to transform digital investing in India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all stock brokers, mutual funds, exchanges, depositories, and other regulated intermediaries make their digital platforms fully accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
This directive, issued via circular on July 31, follows a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025, which declared digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, ensuring the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
SEBI’s circular is not merely compliance-driven; it marks a paradigm shift in inclusive finance. It acknowledges that for India’s financial markets to be truly participative, accessibility for every class of investor — regardless of physical ability — is non-negotiable.
Key Highlights of SEBI’s Directive
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Digital Inclusivity Mandate:
Every digital interface — including KYC and e-KYC platforms, trading apps, mutual fund portals, investor dashboards, and document access portals — must be barrier-free for PwDs. -
Universal Design Standards Enforced:
All entities are now required to align their platforms with:-
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
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Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW)
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IS 17802 standards for ICT product accessibility.
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Enhanced User Experience for PwDs:
Digital content must now include:-
Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation in explainer videos
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Subtitles and captions
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Descriptive audio for videos
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Alternative text for images
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Accessible PDFs for all documents
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Voice support and human-assisted options for the visually impaired during digital KYC
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Strict Compliance Timeline
SEBI has laid down a phased compliance roadmap to ensure no regulated entity lags behind:
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Within 1 Month: Entities must furnish a list of all digital platforms and submit a preliminary compliance report.
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Within 45 Days: Appointment of certified digital accessibility auditors is mandatory.
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Within 3 Months: A comprehensive accessibility audit of all platforms must be completed.
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Within 6 Months: All identified accessibility gaps must be resolved.
SEBI has further emphasized that annual accessibility audits will become mandatory, with year-on-year progress reporting.
Grievance Redressal & Accountability Framework
SEBI has made it clear that digital accessibility is not optional, and there must be institutional accountability:
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Every regulated entity must appoint a nodal officer for digital accessibility.
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A robust grievance redressal system must be in place, including escalation mechanisms for unresolved complaints.
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Accessibility standards will apply not just to existing platforms, but also to any new websites, mobile apps or software systems developed or procured in the future.
A Major Boost for Financial Inclusion
India is home to an estimated 2.68 crore people with disabilities, according to the 2011 Census — a number that is likely much higher today. Yet, access to financial products for PwDs has been abysmally low due to inaccessible digital infrastructure.
With increasing digitisation across the securities market ecosystem, this SEBI mandate ensures that inclusion is built into the financial architecture, rather than being an afterthought.
SEBI’s move aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which mandates non-discrimination in access to information and communication technologies.
Industry Reaction
Initial reactions from the industry and civil society have been overwhelmingly positive.
Disability rights activists have welcomed the order as a long-overdue corrective measure. Experts in financial literacy believe this will not only broaden the investor base but also build trust among marginalized communities.
Market intermediaries, while acknowledging the challenges in retrofitting legacy systems, have begun engaging with accessibility consultants and technology partners to meet the deadline.
The Road Ahead
SEBI’s initiative could very well set a global benchmark for digital accessibility in financial markets. By combining regulatory enforcement with ethical imperatives, the market regulator is reshaping the investor experience for millions.
This is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a financial ecosystem where every Indian — regardless of ability — can participate fully and independently.
As India moves forward as a digital-first economy, this push for accessible finance will be critical to achieving true financial inclusion.
