An Exploration of Contemporary Trends in Finance Research

Finance, as a multidimensional field, is constantly evolving, driven by economic, technological, and regulatory shifts. The dynamic nature of the field of finance research necessitates a continual identification of the latest areas of investigation for researchers to embark upon their future research projects. This study delves into the latest literature to uncover major trends in finance research, presenting a content analysis of 160 influential publications. Utilizing a systematic approach, six broad areas are identified, namely, behavioural finance, FinTech and digital finance, sustainable finance, financial risk management, financial econometrics, and asset pricing and portfolio management. Within these six areas, 14 prominent areas have been recognized, thoroughly discussed, and accompanied by relevant citations. The findings provide researchers with an overview of the current state of finance research and directions for future research. Future research will focus mainly on the application of machine learning, AI tools, big data, and quantum computing techniques for predictive analytics, fraud detection, cryptographic security, financial risk management, and improvement of financial services. Sustainable finance may be combined with ESG issues into FinTech, so promoting green investing and reporting. Embedded finance may be developed to incorporate financial services into non-financial platforms. The study contributes to new knowledge creation by identifying the emerging trends of finance research. The study’s focus on the most recent financial trends facilitates innovation-driven economic development and societal progress. The study leads to a better understanding of the impact of financial innovations on larger economic systems.