Financial Literacy in the Era of Digital Finance: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda (2008–2026)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on financial literacy within the context of digital finance, covering the period from 2008 to 2026. Drawing on a dataset of 970 Scopus-indexed journal articles, the study examines the intellectual structure, publication trends, influential contributors, and thematic evolution of the field using performance analysis and science mapping techniques. The findings reveal a rapidly expanding and increasingly collaborative research domain, characterized by a high annual growth rate and growing international engagement. The analysis identifies financial technology (FinTech) and structural equation modelling as dominant motor themes, reflecting the field’s methodological and technological advancement. In contrast, financial literacy, financial inclusion, and digital financial inclusion emerge as foundational yet underdeveloped themes, indicating the need for deeper theoretical integration. The results further highlight a significant paradigm shift from traditional financial knowledge toward digital financial capability, emphasizing the importance of technological competencies in shaping financial behavior. Moreover, the growing prominence of emerging economies in knowledge production underscores the global relevance of digital financial inclusion. This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing fragmented research into a unified framework and offering a comprehensive overview of the field’s evolution. It also identifies critical research gaps, particularly in behavioral dimensions, digital inclusion disparities, and regulatory frameworks. The findings provide valuable implications for researchers, policymakers, and educators seeking to promote financial resilience and inclusive participation in an increasingly digitalized financial ecosystem.