Digital Accessibility: How SEBI Is Making Investing Accessible For Every Indian

In today’s India, investing has moved from physical share certificates to the palm of our hands. We use apps to buy stocks, check our mutual fund balances, and read market news. But for millions of Indians with disabilities, be it visual impairment, hearing loss, or physical challenges, these “convenient” apps can often feel like locked doors.

Recognizing this, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently issued a landmark clarification in December 2025 regarding Digital Accessibility. This isn’t just a technical update for companies; it’s a massive win for you as an investor. It ensures the digital finance ecosystem is truly “open for all.”

Contents hide

1 What is Digital Accessibility?

2 Why the New SEBI Circular Matters to You

3 How This Changes the Investing Experience

4 The Role of the “Nodal Officer”

5 Final Words: A More Inclusive Future

6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7 Top 10 Recommended Readings

What is Digital Accessibility?

Imagine trying to read a stock chart if you are visually impaired and rely on a “screen reader” (a software that reads text out loud). If the chart is just a flat image without a description, the screen reader sees nothing.

Digital Accessibility means designing websites, mobile apps, and documents (such as PDFs) so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use them effectively. This includes:

Screen Reader Friendly: Text that can be read by assistive software.
Alternative Text: Descriptions for images and charts.
Captioning/Sign Language: Videos that include subtitles or Indian Sign Language (ISL) for those with hearing impairments.
Keyboard Navigation: Being able to use an app without needing a mouse.

Why the New SEBI Circular Matters to You

On December 8, 2025, SEBI issued a clarification (Circular No. HO/13/19/13(2)2025-ITD-1_VIAP/I/187/2025) that takes these rules from “good to have” to “legally mandatory.” Here are the key highlights:

1. It is Now an “Investor Right.”

SEBI has officially declared that Digital Accessibility is a fundamental right for investors. * Every broker, mutual fund house, and stock exchange must now include this right in their Investor Charter.

This means if an app is not accessible to you, it’s not just a “bug”; it’s a violation of your rights as an investor.

2. A Dedicated Complaint Category: “Accessibility.”

Have you ever struggled to complete a Video-KYC due to missing captions? Or found a broker’s website impossible to navigate?

SEBI has added a new category, “Accessibility,” to its SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System) platform.
You can now file a complaint if a digital platform is inaccessible, and the company must resolve the issue to close the complaint.

3. Clear Deadlines for Companies

Instead of vague promises, SEBI has set a firm “Readiness Report” deadline:

By March 31, 2026, all regulated entities (Brokers, Mutual Funds, Depository Participants) must submit a report to SEBI or their respective exchanges.
They must list every digital platform they own and state whether it meets the global WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.

How This Changes the Investing Experience

For Visually Impaired Investors

Brokers are now required to ensure that their trading terminals and mobile apps work seamlessly with screen readers. Documents such as “Account Statements” or “Research Reports” must be provided as Tagged PDFs, which are easier for software to read than standard images.

For Investors with Hearing Impairment

Educational videos, IPO explainers, and even Video-KYC processes must now feature closed captioning or Indian Sign Language (ISL). No more guessing what the presenter is saying about a new investment opportunity.

For Senior Citizens

Accessibility often helps everyone. Larger fonts, high-contrast colors, and more straightforward navigation, required by these new standards, make it significantly easier for older investors to manage their wealth without assistance from their children.

The Role of the “Nodal Officer”

Every financial company must now designate a Nodal Officer for Digital Accessibility. This person is the “Watchdog” inside the company. Their job is to:

Ensure all new apps are “Accessible by Design.”
Oversee regular audits by certified professionals.
Ensure that when you report an accessibility barrier, it is resolved immediately.

Final Words: A More Inclusive Future

The December 2025 circular is a decisive step toward a “Viksit Bharat” in which physical or sensory abilities don’t constrain financial independence. By holding companies accountable and providing investors with a formal channel to complain, SEBI is ensuring that the Digital India dream includes every citizen.

If you are a first-time investor with a disability, know that the law is now on your side. The tools you need to build your wealth are being redesigned to work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which companies have to follow these rules?

Almost everyone in the market! This includes Stock Brokers, Mutual Fund houses (AMCs), Stock Exchanges (NSE/BSE), Depositories (NSDL/CDSL), and Investment Advisors.

Q2: What are “WCAG 2.1 AA” standards?

These are international guidelines that define how to make web content more accessible. “AA” is the standard level of accessibility required for most commercial and legal websites globally.

Q3: Can I complain if a broker’s app is just “difficult to use”?

The “Accessibility” category is specifically for barriers related to disabilities (e.g., lack of screen reader support). For general user interface issues, you can still use the standard “Service Quality” or “Technical Issue” categories in SCORES.

Digital Accessibility: How SEBI is Making Investing Accessible for Every Indian