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International Journal of Innovations & Research Analysis (IJIRA) [ Vol. 6 | No. 1(I) | January - March, 2026 ]

The Intellectual Map of Digital Financial Literacy: Patterns and Trends through Bibliometrics

Ms. Neetu Aggarwal & Dr. Sushil Kumar

Digital Financial Literacy has emerged as a critical competence in an increasingly digitized financial ecosystem, yet the intellectual structure of this rapidly growing research domain remains fragmented. This study aims to systematically map the evolution, thematic structure, and scholarly impact of digital financial literacy research using bibliometric analysis. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of peer-reviewed publications retrieved from major academic databases over the covid period, the study employs performance analysis and science mapping techniques to examine publication trends, influential authors, institutions, countries, and leading journals. Co-citation, co-authorship, and keyword co-occurrence analyses are conducted using bibliometric tool R Studio to uncover the conceptual foundations and emerging research themes within the field. The Findings reveal a steady growth in DFL research, with dominant themes centered on financial inclusion, digital banking, fintech adoption, consumer behaviour, and financial well-being, alongside emerging areas such as crypto currency literacy, artificial intelligence in finance, and digital financial resilience. The study also highlights geographical disparities in research output and collaboration patterns. By offering a structured overview of the intellectual landscape of digital financial literacy, this paper contributes to theory development, identifies research gaps, and provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance digital financial capability in the digital economy.

Aggarwal, N. & Kumar, S. (2026). The Intellectual Map of Digital Financial Literacy: Patterns and Trends through Bibliometrics. International Journal of Innovations & Research Analysis, 06(01(I)), 131–142. https://doi.org/10.62823/IJIRA/6.1(I).8664

Core Bibliometric & Review Papers

  1. Arora, K., & Dahiya, S. (2023). Digital financial inclusion and fintech: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, 39(1).
  2. Geidam, M. M., Yahaya, H. D., Bizi, M. K., & Ahmadu, S. (2025). Mapping the intellectual landscape of financial technology (FinTech): A bibliometric review of trends and developments. Fintech and Digital Accounting Review.
  3. Gulati, T., Singla, A., & Vasishta, P. (2025). Digital finance in the era of digital transformation: A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Digital Transformation and Society.
  4. Kanth, D., Sinha, A. R., Kumar, V., & Pathak, D. K. (2026). Mapping the dynamics of financial literacy: A bibliometric and cluster analysis of financial behavior, knowledge, and attitude. Strategic Business Research, 2, 100073.
  5. Khan, M. A. H., Adnan, A. T. M., Sultana, R., Sultana, H., & Uddin, M. B. (2025). Mapping the evolution of FinTech and digital payments: A bibliometric analysis of the shift to a cashless economy (2015–2024). Fintech and Digital Accounting Review.
  6. Rajpal, S., & Manglani, A. (2026). Drivers of FinTech adoption: Insights from a global review of recent literature. Accounting Research Journal, 39(1), 84–103.
  7. Xu, F., Kasperskaya, Y., &Sagarra, M. (2025). Mapping the momentum: Quantifying the rise of FinTech and bank performance research. Digital Business, 5, 100131.

Empirical Studies on DFL, Adoption, and Well-Being

  1. Aftab, R., Fazal, A., & Andleeb, R. (2025).Behavioural biases and FinTech adoption: Investigating the role of financial literacy. Acta Psychological, 257, 105065.
  2. Alkhwaldi, A. F. (2024). Digital transformation in financial industry: Antecedents of fintech adoption, financial literacy and quality of life. International Journal of Law and Management, 67(6), 714–721.
  3. Ashoer, M., et al. (2024). Mobile fintech, digital financial inclusion, and gender gap at the bottom of the pyramid: An extension of mobile technology acceptance model. Procedia Computer Science, 234, 1253–1260.
  4. Chhillar, N., Sharma, K., & Arora, S. (2025). Exploring the role of digital financial literacy and personal financial behavior in shaping financial stress and well-being in the digital age. Acta Psychological, 259, 105308.
  5. Choung, Y., Chatterjee, S., & Pak, T.-Y. (2023). Digital financial literacy and financial well-being. Finance Research Letters, 58, 104438.
  6. Emuron, A., Kenfack, A. D. K., & Msimanga, M. (2025). Fintech predictive modelling using machine learning: An empirical investigation of South Africa. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 17(6), 889–899.
  7. Igamo, A. M., et al. (2024). Factors influencing Fintech adoption for women in the post-covid-19 pandemic. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1), 100236.
  8. Kanungo, E. (2026). Determinants of digital financial literacy and its impact on digital financial inclusion in Odisha, India – A study on the mediating role of digital operations. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management.
  9. Khatatbeh, I. N., Mustafa, J. A., Alhusban, M. I., Abu Alfoul, M. N., &Shammout, E. (2026). The role of FinTech governance in enhancing financial inclusion and reducing income inequality in MENA countries. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 15(1), 150–159.
  10. Kumar, P. (2024). Financial literacy among higher education students. Journal of Financial Education, 50(1), 33–46.
  11. Lestari, E. D., Kurniasari, F., Pratiwi, P. Y., Thilaga, S., & Ooi, B. W. (2025). Empowering women entrepreneurs: The role of financial literacy, inclusion, and access in enhancing MSE’s performance and sustainability via women development agencies. Cogent Business & Management, 12(1), 2593078.
  12. Lyons, A. C., Kass-Hanna, J., & Fava, A. (2022). Fintech development and savings, borrowing, and remittances: A comparative study of emerging economies. Emerging Markets Review, 51, 100842.
  13. Mishra, D., Agarwal, N., Sharahiley, S., &Kandpal, V. (2024). Digital financial literacy and its impact on financial decision-making of women: Evidence from India. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 17, 468.
  14. Módosné Szalai, S., Jenei, S., & Németh, E. (2025). Knowledge or confidence? Exploring the interplay of financial literacy, digital financial behavior, and self-assessment in the FinTech era. FinTech, 4, 75.
  15. Pak, T.-Y., et al. (2026). Digital financial literacy and financial inclusion in South Korea. Financial Innovation.

DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/IJIRA/6.1(I).8664

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/IJIRA/6.1(I).8664

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