Abstract Purpose This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global research landscape on financial technology (Fintech) to map its intellectual structure, thematic development, and geographical distribution. Design/methodology/approach Peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus from 2006 to 2025 were retrieved and analysed using VOSviewer, R-Studio, and Microsoft Excel. The analysis applied co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, citation mapping, and trend analysis techniques to identify influential contributors, key themes, and emerging areas. Findings Results show that Fintech has evolved into a multidisciplinary research field with significant linkages to financial inclusion, digital transformation, sustainable development, and blockchain-based innovations. China, India, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom emerge as leading contributors, while scholars such as Simplice Asongu and Manaf Al-Okaily are recognised as key intellectual influencers. Keyword clustering highlights core themes of mobile banking, financial literacy, digital identity, and decentralised finance, demonstrating the expanding role of Fintech in advancing financial access and innovation. Despite this growth, research gaps remain in cybersecurity, gender inclusivity, and green Fintech. Practical implications The findings provide insights for researchers, policymakers, and financial institutions aiming to understand and strategically shape the trajectory of Fintech in a technology-driven financial ecosystem. Originality/value By offering a data-driven, visual synthesis of global Fintech scholarship, this study advances understanding of thematic evolution and highlights future research opportunities in this rapidly evolving domain.
Sultan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.