SEBI Digital Accessibility Compliance: Why SEBI-Regulated Entities Need an Accessibility Audit
Digital accessibility is now a regulatory compliance requirement for SEBI-regulated entities, not simply a matter of good design or corporate social responsibility.
For entities covered by the SEBI framework, this includes digital platforms such as websites, mobile applications and investor portals.
What Does SEBI Require?
SEBI's digital accessibility framework requires regulated entities to take a structured approach to accessibility, including:
- Identification of investor-facing digital platforms;
- Appointment of IAAP-certified accessibility professionals for accessibility audits;
- Accessibility audits of digital platforms;
- Usability testing involving persons with disabilities;
- Remediation of accessibility findings;
- Compliance with applicable WCAG, GIGW, IS 17802 and RPwD Act requirements; and
- Annual accessibility audits of digital platforms.
SEBI has also clarified that responsibility for ensuring the accessibility of a digital platform remains with the regulated entity, including where the platform is developed or provided by a third-party or SaaS vendor.
October 31, 2026: The Current Extended Deadline
SEBI's July 31, 2026 circular extended the timeline for conducting accessibility audits and completing remediation of audit findings to October 31, 2026. Importantly, the extension does not change the underlying accessibility requirements; the other provisions of the digital accessibility framework continue to apply.
For SEBI-regulated entities that have not yet completed their audit, this makes the immediate priority clear: audit, remediate and document compliance.
What Should a SEBI Accessibility Audit Cover?
A meaningful accessibility audit should go beyond automated scanning.
Depending on the platform, an accessibility assessment may include:
- Keyboard-only navigation;
- Screen-reader compatibility;
- Headings, landmarks and semantic structure;
- Forms, labels, instructions and error messages;
- Colour contrast and visual presentation;
- Focus management and keyboard interaction;
- Links, buttons and interactive controls;
- Tables, charts and dynamic financial information;
- Authentication and multi-step investor journeys;
- PDFs and other downloadable documents;
- Mobile application accessibility;
- Responsive and reflow behaviour;
- Accessibility of notifications, alerts and dynamic content; and
- Usability testing with persons with disabilities.
Automated accessibility tools are useful for identifying certain technical issues, but they cannot by themselves establish meaningful accessibility. Manual testing, assistive-technology testing and user testing are essential components of a robust accessibility assessment.
Why Choose CABE Foundation for SEBI Accessibility Audits?
The Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment (CABE) Foundation provides professional accessibility assessment and compliance support across digital environments.
CABE's digital accessibility work is led by IAAP-certified accessibility professionals, with experience in evaluating websites, applications and digital interfaces against recognised accessibility standards.
Our approach combines:
Automated Testing + Manual Accessibility Testing + Assistive Technology Testing + User/Usability Testing + Remediation Guidance
The objective is not simply to produce a list of WCAG errors. We help organisations understand what prevents a person with a disability from completing an important task and what needs to be changed to remove that barrier.
Accessibility for Financial Services: Compliance and Investor Inclusion
For SEBI-regulated organisations, accessibility has a direct connection with investor participation.
An inaccessible trading interface, investment form, KYC journey, disclosure document or investor portal can create barriers to accessing financial information and services.
Digital accessibility therefore supports both regulatory compliance and inclusive investor access.
It also makes financial platforms easier to navigate, understand and use for a wider range of users.
CABE's SEBI Accessibility Audit Approach
CABE can support SEBI-regulated entities through the accessibility compliance lifecycle:
1. Platform Review
Identify websites, mobile applications, portals and other investor-facing digital platforms within the audit scope.
2. Accessibility Audit
Conduct technical, manual and assistive-technology testing against applicable accessibility requirements.
3. Usability Testing
Where applicable, include testing with persons with disabilities to identify practical barriers that automated or technical testing may not reveal.
4. Detailed Audit Report
Document accessibility observations, affected components, severity/priorities and recommended remediation.
5. Remediation Support
Work with product, design, development and QA teams to help address identified accessibility barriers.
6. Re-testing and Compliance Evidence
Validate implemented fixes and provide appropriate audit documentation for the organisation's compliance records.
Don't Treat Accessibility as a One-Time Exercise
Accessibility should be incorporated into the digital product lifecycle rather than addressed only before a regulatory deadline.
SEBI's framework provides for annual accessibility audits, making accessibility an ongoing governance responsibility for regulated entities.
Organisations should therefore consider accessibility within:
- New website and application development;
- Procurement and vendor selection;
- Product design and UI/UX;
- Software development and QA;
- Digital document publishing;
- Platform upgrades; and
- Periodic accessibility testing.
Need a SEBI Digital Accessibility Audit?
If your organisation is a SEBI-regulated entity and operates an investor-facing website, mobile application or digital platform, CABE Foundation can assist with an independent accessibility assessment and remediation programme.
Our accessibility audits are conducted by IAAP-certified accessibility professionals, with a focus on practical accessibility, applicable standards and regulatory compliance.
Get in touch with CABE Foundation to discuss your SEBI digital accessibility audit requirements by writing an email to subhash.cabe@gmail.com or info@cabefoundation.com
This article is intended for general information and should not be treated as legal advice. Regulated entities should refer to the latest SEBI circulars and applicable statutory requirements for their specific compliance obligations.