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Explainable artificial intelligence in finance: A bibliometric review

Author

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  • Chen, Xun-Qi
  • Ma, Chao-Qun
  • Ren, Yi-Shuai
  • Lei, Yu-Tian
  • Huynh, Ngoc Quang Anh
  • Narayan, Seema

Abstract

This study focuses on explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in finance. We collected 2,733 articles published between 2013 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed trends in literature development and future prospects using an integrated CiteSpace and Natural Language Processing (NLP) bibliometric approach. Our analysis reveals an increase in publication after 2013. Early XAI research had a significant and lasting impact, shifting research focus from traditional finance research to inclusive finance. XAI has diversified financial capabilities, and non-XAI pursues interpretable solutions for improvement. We conclude with a list of prospective subjects for further study.

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  • Chen, Xun-Qi & Ma, Chao-Qun & Ren, Yi-Shuai & Lei, Yu-Tian & Huynh, Ngoc Quang Anh & Narayan, Seema, 2023. "Explainable artificial intelligence in finance: A bibliometric review," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:56:y:2023:i:c:s1544612323005172
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104145
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    6. Zhang, Dongyang, 2024. "The pathway to curb greenwashing in sustainable growth: The role of artificial intelligence," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    7. Lyu, Jiayu & Li, Lu & Liu, Yuqi & Deng, Qian, 2025. "Promoting common prosperity: How do digital capability and financial literacy matter?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    8. Ma, Chao-Qun & Lei, Yu-Tian & Ren, Yi-Shuai & Chen, Xun-Qi & Wang, Yi-Ran & Narayan, Seema, 2024. "Systematic analysis of the blockchain in the energy sector: Trends, issues, and future directions," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(2).
    9. Robert Kudelić & Tamara Šmaguc & Sherry Robinson, 2025. "Artificial intelligence in the service of entrepreneurial finance: knowledge structure and the foundational algorithmic paradigm," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 11(1), pages 1-43, December.
    10. Xu, Zhan & Wang, Solomon & Ye, Junchen, 2024. "The effect of digitization on corporate fraud detection evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PB).
    11. Liu, Xukang & Ma, Chaoqun & Ren, Yi-Shuai, 2024. "How AI powers ESG performance in China's digital frontier?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
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