Exploring the linkages between FinTech and ESG: A bibliometric perspective

ESG and FinTech issues are gaining popularity, as evidenced by the increase in the number of works on these topics, especially over the last decade, but there is still a need to better understand the relationships, connections and overlaps between these research areas. This paper pursues these goals by exploring the evolution of the academic literature revolving around the linkages between FinTech innovations and ESG through a bibliometric perspective. The study sheds light on the conceptual structure within both these research domains and on their interplay, identifying and discussing five research clusters: 1. finance, Industry 4.0, CSR, and the SDGs; 2. FinTech, ESG performance, and corporate strategy; 3. ESG, artificial intelligence, and ESG reporting; 4. machine learning, stock markets, and sustainable investing; and 5. Internet of Things, blockchain technologies, and sustainable development. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion regarding future research challenges, opportunities, and directions.