Unveiling the dynamics of fintech’s role in Islamic finance: global bibliometrics analysis

Khaerul Aqbar; Azwar Azwar; Abur Hamdi Usman; Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah

doi:10.21580/jiafr.2026.8.2.34160

Authors

Khaerul Aqbar Institut Agama Islam STIBA Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4542-7540
Azwar Azwar Institut Agama Islam STIBA Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7930-4693
Abur Hamdi Usman Universiti Islam Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5179-1648
Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah Universiti Islam Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5950-2262

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/jiafr.2026.8.2.34160

Keywords:

Islamic finance, Fintech, Bibliometric, Digital, Financial service

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving role of fintech in Islamic finance through a bibliometric approach.

Method - This study employs a bibliometric approach to analyze scholarly publication trends in fintech within Islamic finance.

Result - The results mapped 523 publications on Islamic fintech published between 2014 and 2024, showing a sharp increase in research output, particularly during the last five years. Hassan, M.K. emerged as the most prolific author, with his 2020 article on post-COVID challenges being the most cited. Leading journals include the Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research and the Journal of Islamic Marketing. IIUM dominates at the institutional level, while Malaysia leads globally with 157 publications. Core themes include Islamic finance, blockchain, innovation, Shariah, and digital adoption models (TAM), with “COVID” reflecting pandemic-driven research interest. Less-explored areas, such as poverty, law, and Islamic crowdfunding, highlight gaps and opportunities for future research.

Implication - This study highlights the need for user-centered, Shariah-compliant fintech innovations and international collaborations, while also pointing to underexplored areas such as poverty alleviation, legal frameworks, and Islamic crowdfunding as strategic directions for future research.

Originality - Unlike previous bibliometric studies, this study provides a comprehensive global mapping of Islamic fintech research from 2014 to 2024, integrating publication trends, influential contributors, citation patterns, and emerging research themes to identify gaps and future directions.

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