Dubai: Lakshmanan Meyyappan, an Indian finance professional based in Dubai, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male
Chartered Accountant. According to his employer, UAE-based investment firm Century Financial, he received the recognition in February 2026 at the age of 16 years and 141 days.
Meyyappan began working towards the ACCA qualification after completing his Class 10 board examinations. He started his studies at the age of 15 during the Covid-19 pandemic and completed the qualification in roughly a year.
Guinness World Records’ website states: “The youngest chartered accountant (male) is Meyyappan Lakshmanan (India b. 11 January 2005), who was 16 years and 170 days old when qualified, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 30 June 2021.”
Meyyappan’s early interest in accounting was encouraged by his mother, who is also an ACCA professional. The experience introduced him to finance and helped shape his decision to pursue the professional qualification soon after school.
Meyyappan continued his education after earning his ACCA qualification. He later obtained the CFA charter and is now pursuing an MSc in Finance.
Now 21, he works as a research analyst at Century Financial in Dubai, where his work involves investment research, financial market analysis and decision-making.
His interests also extend beyond finance. In his spare time, Meyyappan designs and builds watches, combining his professional career with a creative hobby.
Despite his record-breaking achievement, Meyyappan said setting a world record was never his primary motivation. He explained that his aim was to understand finance in a practical way and develop skills that would remain useful throughout his career.
“This milestone means a lot to me, but I have never approached qualifications as a race,” he said, as quoted by Khaleej Times.
He also stressed the importance of curiosity over simply completing qualifications quickly.
“When learning is driven by curiosity rather than speed, the outcome is far more meaningful,” he added.
Reflecting on his journey, Meyyappan said that five years earlier, he could not have imagined getting through his Class 10 examinations without anxiety. He said receiving both ACCA membership and the CFA charter was a source of gratitude.
His journey has since taken him from early accounting studies to investment research, while he continues to pursue higher education in finance. Century Financial said his career reflects the value of focused learning, professional guidance and continued development.
