Mapping the Global Research Landscape on Green Fintech and Sustainable Financial Behavior: A Bibliometric Review (2015–2025)

Abstract

Background:
The intersection of financial technology and sustainability has given rise to green fintech, a transformative field promoting environmentally conscious financial practices. As this domain evolves rapidly, there is a need to systematically map its intellectual structure, thematic development, and global influence.

Aim:
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric review of global research on green fintech and sustainable financial behavior from 2015 to 2025.

Methodology:
A dataset of 2,506 peer-reviewed documents was compiled from Dimensions.ai and The Lens. Keyword co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling, country-level co-authorship, and citation impact (via Average Normalized Citation Score) were analyzed using VOSviewer and Excel.

Results:
Five major research themes emerged: ESG disclosure, AI-driven platforms, China-led digital finance innovation, carbon and resource management, and renewable energy financing. Six country clusters were identified, revealing regional focuses and policy-driven trends. The US, UK, China, and India dominated collaborative research networks. Notably, countries like Georgia and Iraq showed disproportionately high citation impacts.

Conclusion:
Green fintech research is expanding across disciplines and geographies, with both mature and emerging contributors shaping its development. While Western nations lead in volume, impactful research is emerging from smaller or underrepresented countries.

Implications:
The findings offer strategic insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders aiming to align fintech innovation with global sustainability goals.

Originality:
This is the first study to integrate co-occurrence, co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, and citation impact into a unified analysis of green fintech research spanning a full decade.