This study synthesizes contemporary research on financial technology (fintech) as a transformative force for sustainable development, highlighting its role in technological innovation, corporate ESG performance, financial inclusion and environmental impact mitigation.
Employing a bibliographic mapping approach via the Scopus database, the study adopts a multi-cluster analytical framework, and organized findings into four thematic clusters: Drivers, Technological Advances, Econometric Analysis and Regional Perspectives (BRICS-focused).
Fintech acts as a catalyst for sustainable development by fostering green finance and ESG improvements through technological innovations, enhancing financial inclusion via digital services and supporting renewable energy investments and carbon mitigation through targeted policies. Evidence from both mature and emerging markets underscores the positive correlation between fintech adoption, economic growth and environmental stewardship—though the degree of impact may vary across regions.
This review underscores the importance of integrating fintech innovations into national sustainability frameworks. Policymakers could leverage these insights to draft regulations and incentives that promote responsible digital finance practices. Practitioners in financial and technology sectors can utilize the findings to refine product offerings and investment strategies that align with environmental and social objectives. Furthermore, the study highlights the growing need for interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity-building efforts to address barriers such as regulatory uncertainties and technology skill gaps.
By mapping influential scholarship and identifying key research clusters, the review offers a comprehensive perspective on fintech’s diverse roles in sustainable development. It sheds light on emerging trends like AI-enabled solutions, the expanding green finance ecosystem and calls attention to open questions in policy formation and real-world implementation. The structured approach provides actionable insights for stakeholders seeking to harness fintech’s full potential to drive inclusive, resilient and ecologically responsible development worldwide.
