Introduction
If you’re an Investment Adviser or a Research Analyst, you’ve probably been keeping an eye on SEBI’s circular about digital accessibility compliance. And guess what? There’s been a little update that might make you breathe easier.
On August 29, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a new circular SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/121 announcing an extension of timelines and an update of reporting authorities for Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) with respect to its earlier digital accessibility compliance mandate.
This update follows the July 31, 2025 circular SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111, which made it mandatory for all Regulated Entities (REs) to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and related rules by ensuring their digital platforms are accessible.
Checkout SEBI Circular (July 31, 2025): Mandatory Digital Accessibility for Financial Sector Entities
Key Extensions in Timelines for Digital Accessibility Compliance
SEBI has considered requests from regulated entities for additional time to implement accessibility measures. The following revised deadlines have now been granted:
These extensions give entities more realistic timelines to complete audits, appoint qualified professionals, and implement remediation.
| Compliance Requirement | Earlier Deadline | Extension Granted | New Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission of compliance/action taken report | Aug 30, 2025 | +1 month | Sept 30, 2025 |
| Submission of list of digital platforms | Aug 30, 2025 | +1 month | Sept 30, 2025 |
| Appointment of IAAP-certified accessibility professionals as auditors | Sept 14, 2025 | +3 months | Dec 14, 2025 |
| Conduct of accessibility audit for digital platforms | Oct 31, 2025 | +6 months | Apr 30, 2026 |
| Remediation of audit findings and compliance | Jan 31, 2026 | +6 months | Jul 31, 2026 |
| Annual compliance reporting on accessibility audits | Apr 30, 2026 | Extended to next Financial Year | Apr 30, 2027 |
Update on Reporting Authority for IAs and RAs
Another key change introduced by SEBI relates to who entities must report to:
| Regulated Entity | New Reporting Authority |
|---|---|
| Stock Brokers / Depository Participants | Stock Exchanges / Depositories |
| Investment Advisers (IAs) & Research Analysts (RAs) | BSE Ltd. |
| Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) & other REs | SEBI |
This update shifts reporting for IAs and RAs from BASL/SEBI to BSE Ltd., consolidating oversight and making the process more streamlined.
Why This Matters
Digital accessibility is no longer optional. By linking compliance to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, SEBI is ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to digital platforms.
SEBI’s announcement means a bit more room to get your websites, apps, and digital platforms in line with accessibility requirements. No more last-minute panic—at least for now! And while the extensions provide relief, the expectation for compliance remains firm. Entities must:
- Appoint IAAP-certified professionals as auditors
- Conduct accessibility audits of all digital platforms
- Remediate findings in time
- Report to the correct authority
How BarrierBreak Can Help
At this stage, regulated entities need trusted partners to guide them through compliance. This is where BarrierBreak comes in:
- IAAP-Certified Professionals: BarrierBreak’s experts are certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), bringing global credibility to audits.
- Empaneled Auditor with DEPwD: BarrierBreak is an empanelled Web Accessibility Auditor with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and is authorized to conduct official accessibility audits.
- Balanced Approach – Automation + Human Expertise: We leverage the right mix of automated tools and manual testing by accessibility professionals with disabilities, ensuring faster yet accurate results.
- Proven Experience: With over two decades in accessibility, BarrierBreak is one of the top digital accessibility companies and has worked with global and Indian organizations across sectors.
By engaging with BarrierBreak, regulated entities can reduce compliance risks, meet SEBI’s deadlines, and build accessible digital platforms that align with both legal requirements and social responsibility.
The bottom line? SEBI has given you more time and clarified reporting, but accessibility isn’t a checkbox exercise. It’s about building digital trust and being future ready.
So, take this extension as an opportunity, not an excuse to delay. Let’s make digital platforms accessible and inclusive to all. If you’d like to know how to get started, get in touch with Shashank Kapur - Director - Strategy & Growth at BarrierBreak.