Periodizing sustainable finance literature: A comprehensive bibliometric review & future directions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sustainable finance has emerged as a critical domain within financial research, driven by the growing global emphasis on climate action, environmental sustainability, and responsible economic development. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of sustainable finance literature, tracing its evolution from the early environmental finance concepts to the current integrated frameworks incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. By leveraging data from Scopus and Web of Science, the research identifies key trends, influential authors, and major thematic shifts in sustainable finance scholarship. Furthermore, the article proposes a periodization of sustainable finance research, shedding light on distinct developmental phases and projecting future directions for academic inquiry. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the field’s trajectory, offering valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers engaged in sustainable economic transformation.
Source: Sustainable Environment
Authors: Balázs Sárvári, Izabella Kuncz, Petra Németh
Language: English
Subfield: Finance
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127580922