Mapping the Evolution of Sustainable Financial Inclusion: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends (2007–2025)

Tesfaye Ginbare Gutu (), Domicián Máté and István Zsombor Hágen
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Tesfaye Ginbare Gutu: School of Economic & Regional Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guba Sándor Street 40, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
Domicián Máté: Faculty of Engineering, Department of Engineering and Management and Enterprise, University of Debrecen, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary
István Zsombor Hágen: School of Economic & Regional Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Mátrai Street 36, 3200 Gyöngyös, Hungary

JRFM, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-29

Abstract: Sustainable financial inclusion is an essential factor for economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The primary objective of this bibliometric analysis is to investigate trends in sustainable financial inclusion publications using 1467 Scopus and WoS-indexed documents published between 2007 and 2025. The review visualized major trends, intellectual structures, and thematic clusters using VOSviewer and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. This analysis identified eight thematic clusters, including digital finance, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration, green finance, and financial literacy, which demonstrate the multidimensional nature of the field. Since 2017, research on sustainable financial inclusion has grown, led by China, India, and the USA, revealing geographic imbalances and underrepresentation of the Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia regions. Major barriers identified were financial illiteracy and uncoordinated regulations among institutions. This review suggests critical insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners should align inclusive finance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advocate for a shift from mere financial access to systemic, sustainability-driven models. It calls for collaboration between decision-makers and financial institutions to foster inclusive, fair, sustainable, and environmentally responsible financial ecosystems.

Keywords: financial inclusion; sustainability; digital finance; green finance; ESG; bibliometric analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C E F2 F3 G (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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