FinTech , CSR and ESG Criteria in MENA Countries: Current Trends, Issues, and Research Recommendations

The objective of our article is to present a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research at the intersection of financial technology (FinTech), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, covering the period from 1995 to 2024. The data were collected from the Web of Science database and the SPAR‐4‐SLR methodology. VOSviewer and RStudio software were used to identify key trends, emerging topics, key actors, and collaboration dynamics in the relevant scientific field. The results show a marked evolution in research, shifting from traditional governance and corporate social responsibility issues to current concerns such as FinTech, digital finance, financial inclusion, ESG, renewable energy, and reducing CO 2 emissions. Despite a significant increase in publications, international cooperation remains fragmented, particularly with limited integration of MENA researchers in global networks. The main implication of our article is that governments and regulators in the MENA region should take advantage of the revolutionary potential of financial technologies to speed up the adoption of sustainable finance and improve ESG disclosure standards, thereby addressing concerns relating to greenwashing and credibility. This highlights the need for clearer regulatory guidelines and international cooperation to improve transparency and ensure that financial innovation aligns with ESG commitments. Our paper addresses a significant gap in the literature by focusing on an underexplored yet critical region at the intersection of FinTech and sustainable development.