SEBI Research Analyst Website & Mobile App Compliance Guide 2026

What is the SEBI website requirement for a Research Analyst?

Under the current SEBI Master Circular for Research Analysts dated February 6, 2026, a Research Analyst or research entity is required to maintain a functional website containing the details specified by SEBI. This is an important change in how RAs should think about their online presence: the website should not be treated merely as a brochure or lead generation page.

The current Master Circular specifically refers to the requirement of a functional website under Regulation 19A of the SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations.

This means that an RA planning a new website should start with the regulatory information architecture first and visual design second.

What should an RA website contain?

The exact information required depends on the RA's registration structure, services and applicable SEBI requirements. However, an RA website should be planned so that important investor-facing information can be presented clearly and maintained easily.

Investor Charter: website vs manual communication

SEBI's Investor Charter framework is designed to make important information about the services, investor rights, responsibilities and grievance mechanisms accessible to investors. The June 2, 2025 Investor Charter circular requires RAs to bring the Investor Charter to the notice of existing and new clients through their respective websites and mobile applications (if any), among other permitted channels.

This creates a practical difference between maintaining a properly structured digital platform and repeatedly distributing information manually.

How should an RA handle investor complaints online?

Complaint transparency is another important area. Under the current framework, RAs are required to disclose complaint data on their websites and mobile applications, where applicable, with the prescribed information made available by the 7th of the succeeding month. The framework also provides for a mechanism to lodge complaints directly with the RA and references the SEBI SCORES platform.

A website can therefore be designed with a dedicated Investor Grievance / Complaint Disclosure section rather than treating this as an isolated PDF or an occasional manual communication task.

The objective is not to automate regulatory responsibility. Instead, technology can make the required information easier to publish, update and access.

Can a Research Analyst use a mobile app instead of a website?

This is one of the most common questions asked by RAs considering digital technology.

A mobile application can be extremely useful for delivering research services, notifications, reports, client communication and account-related functionality. However, the current SEBI framework specifically requires a functional website under Regulation 19A. Therefore, an RA should not assume that launching only an Android or iOS application removes the website requirement.

Website or Mobile App: which is more cost-effective for an RA?

The answer depends on the size and operating model of the research business. An individual RA with a small client base may not need an expensive custom mobile application on day one. A well-designed responsive website with a secure administration panel may provide much of the required digital foundation at a considerably lower development and maintenance cost.

A mobile app becomes more useful when the RA needs features such as research alerts, push notifications, subscription management, report access, client dashboards and frequent investor interaction.

What about RAs that currently have no website?

If you are a registered RA and currently operate primarily through WhatsApp, Telegram, email or other communication channels, the first question should not be “Do I need an expensive website?”

The better question is: “What is the minimum digital platform I need to operate professionally and meet my applicable requirements?”

A cost-effective RA website can start with a focused structure rather than dozens of pages:

1. RA profile and registration information
2. Research services
3. Investor Charter
4. Terms and important client information
5. Disclosure section
6. Complaint / grievance information
7. Research reports or research-service information
8. Contact and enquiry mechanism
9. Privacy and applicable website policies

Additional features can then be introduced as the business grows.

What if my RA website already exists?

An existing website does not automatically mean that the digital setup is complete. A website review should look at both content and functionality.

Can technology reduce manual work for Research Analysts?

Yes. The strongest reason to invest in an RA technology platform is not simply appearance. It is reducing repetitive operational work while keeping the RA in control of the information and compliance process.

Examples of useful automation

• Central management of Investor Charter and disclosure pages
• Monthly complaint-data publishing workflow
• Research report publishing
• Client enquiry management
• Subscription and renewal reminders
• Client dashboard
• Secure document/report access
• Digital client onboarding workflows
• Consent and terms acknowledgement workflows
• Research update notifications

SEBI's current RA framework also contains provisions relating to terms and conditions, client consent, KYC and maintenance of interaction records. Consent can be obtained through legally acceptable modes, including a DigiLocker-enabled Aadhaar-based e-signature facility where applicable.

Technology can therefore be used to create a more organised workflow around these processes, although the RA remains responsible for determining and maintaining its regulatory compliance.

What about AI disclosure for Research Analysts?

AI is another area RAs should not ignore. The current Master Circular states that where an RA or research entity uses artificial intelligence tools for servicing clients, the RA/research entity remains responsible for security, confidentiality and integrity of client data and for research services based on AI output. It also requires disclosure of the extent of AI use in providing research services to clients.

A properly managed RA website can provide a dedicated disclosure area and help keep such information organised. The wording and scope of any regulatory disclosure should, however, be confirmed by the RA's compliance professional.

How Techthaastu can help SEBI Registered Research Analysts

Techthaastu Pvt. Ltd. is a Delhi-based software development company focused on business websites, web portals and custom software solutions. For Research Analysts, our approach is to combine website development with a requirement-focused information structure rather than treating an RA website as a generic corporate website.

Our objective is simple: build only what the RA actually needs today, while keeping the platform ready for tomorrow's growth.

Affordable RA website development: start small and scale

A common mistake is assuming that an RA needs a large custom portal immediately. In many cases, that creates unnecessary cost.

Techthaastu's recommended approach is a phased implementation:

This approach can be significantly more cost-effective than investing in a large platform before the RA has a clear operational need for every feature.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEBI RA websites and mobile apps

Why choose a specialist approach instead of a generic website agency?

A generic corporate website agency may focus primarily on colours, animations, pages and lead-generation forms. An RA platform needs a different starting point: regulatory information architecture, investor transparency, controlled content management and operational practicality.

Techthaastu aims to bridge those two requirements—professional digital presentation and business-focused software development—so that an RA can start with a practical website and add technology only when it creates genuine operational value.

For RAs in Delhi and across India looking for SEBI Research Analyst website development, RA website redesign, Research Analyst mobile app development, investor portal development or custom RA software, Techthaastu can provide a technology-first implementation approach tailored to the RA's actual workflow.