Bibliometric Insights Into Religion's Impact on Financial Inclusion and Exclusion

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis on the intersection of financial inclusion, religion, and technological advancements, with a particular focus on the role of Islamic banking and Fintech in promoting financial access. Employing an in-depth bibliometric approach, the study analyzes citation patterns, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence using VOSviewer, based on a systematic literature review. A meticulously selected set of keywords related to financial inclusion, exclusion, and religion facilitated a comprehensive search across major academic databases, yielding 110 relevant articles. The analysis reveals a significant thematic cluster around the convergence of financial inclusion, Islamic banking, and Fintech, particularly within the Indonesian context. This highlights the emerging scholarly interest in exploring how technological innovations and Islamic financial principles can together foster inclusive financial systems. The regional focus underscores the socio-economic dynamics unique to Indonesia, suggesting a broader relevance for similar contexts globally. Despite its comprehensive scope, the study acknowledges limitations such as potential publication bias and the exclusion of non-indexed literature. It underscores the need for qualitative research to complement bibliometric findings and address the complex dynamics between religion and financial inclusion. From a policy perspective, it advocates for regulatory frameworks that support Fintech growth within Islamic banking, aiming to promote inclusive, culturally responsive financial systems. This research contributes to the literature by offering a systematic bibliometric analysis of the nexus between religion, financial inclusion, and technology. It highlights the importance of integrating Islamic finance and Fintech to enhance financial access, urging a global dialogue on culturally responsive financial solutions for economic empowerment and poverty reduction.