Dubai-born Ayaan Mandelia recognised by Guinness World Records at 15 following ACCA achievement

Dubai-born teenager Ayaan Mandelia, of Indian descent, has set a new Guinness World Records record at just 15 years old and three days old. He achieved this feat by completing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examination pathway, a record for the "Youngest chartered accountant (male)". Mandelia surpassed the typical age for such an accomplishment by completing his ACCA studies in July 2026, while his peers were still in secondary school.

The ACCA Affiliate status he achieved reflects his swift progress in the required examinations, which precede the practical experience and other demands for full membership. His journey began in November 2024, and he passed all four Strategic Professional examinations on his first attempt, including Advanced Financial Management and Strategic Business Leader, with scores of 80% and 75% respectively.

Mandelia's interest in accountancy stems from his curiosity about business decisions, such as resource allocation, risk management, and growth planning. He left Jumeirah College in Dubai during Year 10 to pursue professional education and practical learning full-time. Currently, Mandelia works with his family's Dubai-based business, AANKA Group, which spans food and beverage, beauty and wellness, interiors, and construction, employing around 400 people across 17 locations.

His work involves business strategy, digital systems, and AI transformation, offering practical experience in financial concepts beyond examination settings.