Tracing The Evolution Of Financial Literacy Research: A Twenty Year Scopus Bibliometric Study

Noor Emilina Mohd Nasir, Syafiq Abdul Haris Halmi, Suraya Ahmad, Nur Syuhada Adnan, Muhammad Shaqif Azfar Afandi

Abstract


Integrating financial literacy into business education is vital for preparing future professionals to operate in today’s complex financial environment. Beyond basic bookkeeping, it supports strategic judgement, risk evaluation, and ethical conduct, while strengthening understanding of markets, investments, and financial planning. Although its value is widely recognised, incorporation into business curricula remains uneven across regions. Prior studies show that financial literacy improves cash flow management, strengthens business sustainability, and enhances decision-making, yet important implementation gaps persist. This study applies bibliometric analysis to Scopus-indexed publications from 2004 to 2025 to trace how financial literacy research in business education has developed. The analysis covers publication and citation trends, influential scholars and journals, and patterns in authors’ keywords. Results show a steady rise in scholarly attention, driven by growing economic uncertainty and the need for financially capable graduates. Nonetheless, disparities across regions and limited integration of financial and economic education remain evident. Future work should examine long-term outcomes of financial education, the influence of artificial intelligence and fintech, and the effectiveness of digital financial literacy initiatives. Emerging themes such as cryptocurrencies, sustainable finance, and digital banking literacy also merit deeper exploration. Closing these
research gaps is essential for developing graduates who can confidently navigate an increasingly dynamic financial landscape.

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References


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