The Role of Financial Development in ESG Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study explores the intersection between financial development and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance using a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Drawing on 443 academic publications extracted from the Scopus database between 2000 and 2023, the research identifies major contributors, trending topics, and thematic evolutions in this interdisciplinary field. Using co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses, the study reveals increasing scholarly attention on sustainable finance, ESG disclosure, and the role of institutions in fostering ESG practices. The results highlight a growing convergence between financial systems and sustainability goals, with significant research clusters emerging in Europe, North America, and Asia. The study contributes to the literature by mapping the intellectual structure of ESG–finance research and identifying gaps and future research directions. These insights are valuable for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to align financial development with sustainability imperatives.