Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced an extension for regulated entities to submit their compliance and action taken reports by a month, moving the deadline to September 30, 2025. This decision comes as part of Sebi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The extensions respond to numerous requests from market participants seeking more time to comply with the new requirements.
Sebi’s Commitment to Digital Accessibility
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) made headlines on August 29, 2025, when it decided to extend the deadline for the submission of compliance reports and action taken reports by an additional month. This change was widely reported by news agencies, including PTI, and reflects Sebi’s dedication to improving digital accessibility in India’s financial sector. The regulator had initially mandated that all regulated entities, including stock exchanges and depositories, adhere to a digital accessibility framework established in July 2025.
This framework aims to align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to market infrastructure. By extending the submission deadline to September 30, Sebi demonstrates its responsiveness to the needs of market participants who require more time to comply with these critical requirements.
Why the Extension was Necessary
Multiple industry stakeholders had reached out to Sebi, requesting additional time to meet the new reporting standards. Understanding the importance of this initiative, Sebi agreed to postpone the deadlines originally set for August 30, 2025. The new compliance structure does not just involve filing a report; organizations must also submit lists detailing the digital platforms they provide for investors, making this process more comprehensive.
This collective response highlights a significant gap that many firms face in aligning with mandatory accessibility guidelines while balancing their day-to-day operations. For instance, a small mutual fund company focused on enhancing its digital presence might find it more challenging to comply with a sudden regulatory change without additional time to restructure its services. Thus, the extension serves as a lifeline for such entities to ensure they do not fall short of regulatory compliance.
Further Extensions to Key Deadlines
In addition to extending the initial deadline, Sebi has also postponed related deadlines. The appointment of certified accessibility professionals, which was supposed to be completed by September 14, 2025, has been pushed back to December 14, 2025. This marks an essential step in ensuring that accessible audits are conducted effectively and that the necessary expertise is available to help facilitate compliance.
Moreover, the deadline for conducting accessibility audits, originally due by October 31, 2025, has been extended by six months, now set for April 30, 2026. This change further underscores Sebi’s commitment to adequate oversight and compliance, granting entities the requisite time to address any shortcomings identified in the audits. By constructing a more flexible compliance timeline, Sebi is enabling a smoother transition toward greater inclusivity in financial services.
Impact on Reporting Structure
Alongside these extensions, Sebi has updated the reporting structure for compliance. Investment advisers and research analysts, who were previously required to report to BSE Administration & Supervision Limited (BASL), will now report directly to BSE. This adjustment appears designed to streamline the reporting process, ensuring that regulatory obligations are met effectively and efficiently.
Stock brokers and depository participants will maintain their reporting relationships with their respective stock exchanges and depositories. At the same time, other market infrastructure institutions will report directly to Sebi. These changes aim to enhance accountability and ensure that all entities remain aligned with Sebi’s overarching mission of fostering a transparent and accessible financial environment.
A Focus on Inclusivity and Fundamental Rights
The impetus for Sebi’s recent regulations follows a pivotal Supreme Court verdict, which recognized digital access as a fundamental right under the Right to Life and Liberty. As part of this move, all entities regulated by Sebi—encompassing stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and brokers—are obliged to ensure their digital platforms are compliant with key provisions set out in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. This emphasizes the importance of accessible financial services in a rapidly digitizing world.
Ultimately, Sebi’s initiatives underscore a broader commitment to making the Indian economy more inclusive, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in market activities. This will foster not only a more equitable financial landscape but also a more diverse investor base, which can drive combined economic growth in the long term.
As the countdown to the new compliance deadlines begins, the financial sector must harness its collective efforts to meet the expectations set forth by Sebi. By doing so, they not only abide by necessary regulations but also enrich their services, making financial markets more accessible for everyone.
Bankerpedia’s Insight💡
Sebi’s decision to extend deadlines for compliance with digital accessibility mandates highlights a crucial step toward inclusivity in India’s banking and finance sector. By easing these timelines, Sebi acknowledges the challenges faced by regulated entities, ensuring that investors with disabilities can access market infrastructure equitably. This move not only aligns with legal frameworks but also fosters a more diverse investor base, ultimately benefiting the economy. Stakeholders should prioritize accessibility initiatives now to enhance their services and remain compliant, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity in financial services.
What Does This Mean for Me?🤔
- Salaried Person → Increased accessibility to financial services for everyone.
- Business Owner → Deadline extension eases compliance pressure for business owners.
- Student → Increased accessibility in financial services for students.
- Self-employed → Extended deadlines may ease compliance for self-employed individuals.
- Homemaker → Increased access to financial platforms for disabled family members.
- Retiree / Senior Citizen → Enhanced accessibility in financial services for senior citizens.
- Job Seeker → Increased accessibility in financial services for job seekers.
- Farmer / Rural Citizen → Improved financial accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Research References📚
📚 Loved this article?
Join our community of readers & writers!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for author tips, book insights, and publishing secrets.
