Accessibility Testing & Remediation of a Fintech Product

About the Company

A leading fintech enterprise serving over 5 million investors through web, mobile, and communication channels, this organization is recognized for delivering seamless investment solutions and building trust across diverse customer segments. With financial inclusion at the heart of its services, the company was quick to identify accessibility as a strategic priority—not only to comply with regulatory requirements but also to ensure that every investor, regardless of ability, could independently manage their financial journey.

Problem Statement

The turning point came with SEBI’s circular mandating digital accessibility for all investor-facing touchpoints. While the company had invested heavily in user experience, a comprehensive audit revealed critical accessibility gaps across its website, client portal, mobile app, and investor documents (including PDFs and email communications).

Key challenges included:

• Non-compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
  
• Investor-facing PDFs lacking PDF/UA compliance.
  
• Limited compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.
  
• Navigation barriers for users with mobility or visual impairments.
  

These shortcomings posed risks of regulatory non-compliance, reputational damage, and user exclusion. Addressing them required specialized Accessibility Testing Services backed by deep domain expertise.

Technology & Tools Used

To ensure precision and effectiveness, the following tools and techniques were deployed:

• Automated testing tools: AXE, WAVE for initial scans.
  
• Manual testing: Screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver to replicate real-world user experiences.
  
• Document accessibility: PDF/UA compliance checkers and remediation tools.
  
• Assistive technology validation: Testing with keyboard navigation, voice commands, and high-contrast modes.
  

This multi-pronged approach ensured that accessibility barriers were identified, prioritized, and remediated effectively.

Solution

The company partnered with Accessible Minds, an IAAP-certified accessibility auditor in India, to drive the remediation initiative. Leveraging its Accessibility Testing Services, Accessible Minds executed a structured engagement:

1. Comprehensive Accessibility Audit
   
   • Conducted end-to-end audits of the website, mobile app, client portal, and investor communication documents.
     
   • Benchmarked against WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines and SEBI’s requirements.
     
2. Accessibility Remediation
   
   • Fixed issues in code structures to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies.
     
   • Enabled screen reader support, voice command navigation, and keyboard operability.
     
   • Remediated PDFs and investor reports for PDF/UA compliance.
     
3. Real-User Testing
   
   • Involved users with visual and mobility impairments to validate accessibility improvements.
     
   • Conducted scenario-based testing for critical investor tasks like login, portfolio tracking, and transaction execution.
     
4. Training & Knowledge Transfer
   
   • Conducted workshops for engineering and design teams on accessibility best practices.
     
   • Shared reusable accessibility checklists and QA frameworks to embed accessibility in future development cycles.
     

The solution not only remediated existing issues but also built a sustainable roadmap for accessibility-first product development.

Key Outcomes

The engagement delivered measurable impact:

• 96% reduction in accessibility barriers across digital platforms.
  
• Full compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and PDF/UA standards, ensuring SEBI circular adherence.
  
• 35% improvement in investor engagement and satisfaction scores among users with disabilities.
  
• Enhanced brand reputation as an inclusive fintech leader.
  
• Institutionalized accessibility practices within design and engineering workflows, ensuring long-term compliance and innovation.

Why Accessibility Testing Services Matter in Fintech

This case highlights the critical role of Accessibility Testing Services in the financial sector. Fintech applications must serve diverse users—including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility challenges. Accessibility features like screen reader compatibility, adjustable text sizes, simplified navigation, and secure yet accessible authentication methods are not just compliance measures but enablers of financial independence.

By implementing structured Accessibility Testing Services, fintech companies can:

• Drive financial inclusion for underserved populations.
  
• Expand their customer base by removing digital barriers.
  
• Avoid regulatory penalties and reputational risks.
  
• Build trust and loyalty through inclusive design.

Conclusion

The SEBI’s 2025 digital accessibility circular was more than a compliance mandate—it was a catalyst for change in India’s fintech ecosystem. By engaging with Accessible Minds and leveraging specialized Accessibility Testing Services, the company transformed its investor touchpoints into truly inclusive platforms.

Today, every investor—whether navigating a website with a screen reader, accessing a mobile app with voice commands, or reviewing PDFs with assistive technology—enjoys equitable access to financial services.

This case study demonstrates that accessibility is not merely a regulatory checkbox but a strategic imperative. It enhances investor trust, strengthens engagement, and creates long-term brand value. By prioritizing accessibility, fintech providers not only future-proof their digital platforms but also take a decisive step toward building a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.