Mapping Global Trends in Fintech Policy: A Bibliometric Analysis with a Focus on Emerging Markets

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of academic literature on fintech policy in emerging markets. Using the Web of Science Core Collection, an initial dataset of 2,135 records was filtered to 1,718 peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 2000 and 2025. VOSviewer was used to map keyword co-occurrence, country and institutional co-authorship networks, and citation-based thematic clusters in order to reveal the conceptual, geographical, and institutional structure of the field. The findings show that fintech policy has become an increasingly important research area, with a rapid
rise in publications from 2020 onward. The dominant themes include digital finance, regulatory innovation,
financial performance, sustainability, corporate governance, and financial inclusion. Fintech is also increasingly discussed in relation to environmental governance, poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 1 on no poverty. The geographical analysis shows that research on fintech policy in emerging markets is moderately decentralized and globally distributed. The United States, China, and England are the leading contributors, while Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, South Africa, and other emerging economies are becoming more visible in the field. However, the literature remains fragmented due to uneven regional representation and limited attention to cross-border policy coordination.
This paper contributes to the literature by offering a systematic bibliometric review of research at the
intersection of fintech and public policy, with a focus on the Global South. The study provides an evidencebased resource for future fintech policy development and highlights the need for more interdisciplinary research that connects technological innovation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.