Research Trends on Islamic Finance and Fintech: Comparison
Please note this is a comparison between Version 1 by sari sulaiman malahim and Version 2 by Lindsay Dong.

Due to its devotion to Shariah principles and values, Islamic finance has attracted substantial attention in recent years as an alternative to traditional finance. With the increased use of technology in finance, Islamic finance has adapted and integrated financial technology (fintech) to provide its consumers with more efficient and accessible financial services. The rise of fintech has created new possibilities and difficulties for the Islamic finance industry, providing creative solutions to old financial issues while also raising new regulatory and ethical concerns. 

  • Islamic finance
  • financial technology
  • Islamic banking

1. Introduction

Islamic finance has grown in popularity in recent years because of its commitment to Shariah rules and values. With the fast improvements in financial technology (fintech), Islamic finance has embraced fintech to improve its services and give its consumers more efficient and accessible financial solutions (Belal et al. 2019; Oladapo et al. 2022). One of the benefits of combining fintech with Islamic finance is the possibility of increased financial inclusion, which allows more individuals and enterprises to access Shariah-compliant financial goods and services. Fintech can also increase the transparency and efficiency of Islamic financial transactions, lowering costs and broadening access (Hasan et al. 2020; Ahmad and Al Mamun 2020). 

However, there are several drawbacks to combining technology with Islamic financing. One possible drawback is the prospect of financial exclusion, as those without access to or familiarity with technology may be left behind. There is also the issue of ensuring that fintech platforms follow Shariah principles and laws, which may be complicated and need rigorous monitoring (Oseni and Ali 2019; Rabbani et al. 2022b). Furthermore, there are questions regarding the ethical implications of fintech, such as the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making and the possibility of bias in algorithms (Antoniadi et al. 2021). Subsequently, the convergence of technology and Islamic finance offers various benefits but also creates issues that must be handled through careful analysis and regulation.
Islamic finance has been an increasingly popular and essential topic of study in recent years, with a growing body of literature addressing its ideas and practices (Alam and Seifzadeh 2020). At the same time, the growth of financial technology (fintech) has created new potential and difficulties for the Islamic finance industry (Unal and Aysan 2022). While there is a growing body of literature studying the convergence of Islamic finance and fintech, there is still much to learn about the developing and future trends in this subject (Zulkhibri 2019; Bashir et al. 2020; Orlando and Pelosi 2020; Asutay et al. 2021). Islamic banking systems and fintech are two progressive and quickly expanding sectors of the finance industry. Fintech is the term used to describe the use of technology to deliver financial services and enhance the overall client experience (Nguyen 2021). Contrarily, Islamic banking is a kind of banking that complies with Islamic law, which forbids the charging of interest on loans and investments in specific sectors such as the gambling and alcohol industries. Fintech and Islamic banking systems are superior to conventional banks in a number of ways. Fintech businesses leverage technology to deliver financial services that are quicker, easier, and more customized while charging less (Nguyen 2022b). Customers who cherish these values may be drawn to Islamic banking systems’ emphasis on ethical and socially conscious investing (Nguyen 2022a). Nevertheless, fintech and Islamic banking systems both encounter difficulties. Fintech businesses must compete with existing financial institutions while navigating complicated regulatory settings. Islamic banking systems can have trouble luring clients who are not familiar with Islamic finance’s tenets and procedures (Mehdiabadi et al. 2020). It will be interesting to observe how the fintech and Islamic banking systems continue to expand and innovate in the financial sector as they compete with traditional banks (Nguyen 2022b).

2. Research Trends on Islamic Finance and Fintech

16.
Cluster 1 keywords including Islamic finance and fintech.
Keywords (Cluster 1): Links Total Links Strength
27 lists the second cluster of terms, Cluster 2, along with their frequency and relationships.
Table 27.
Cluster 2 keywords including Islamic finance and fintech.
Keywords (Cluster 2): Links Total Links Strength Occurrences
Fintech 36 65 17
Adoption 26 32 6
Islamic Fintech 20 29 10
Innovation 17 24 5
Intention
Islamic finance and fintech are two fast expanding industries that are revolutionizing the financial services industry. The Islamic fintech sector is gaining traction, with an emphasis on financial inclusion and Shariah-compliant business processes. Bibliographic coupling has been used to investigate the structure of research topics and to identify connections between diverse sources in Islamic finance and fintech. Blockchain technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to play an important role in improving transparency, security, and transaction speed, as well as in developing personalized financial products and services. The Islamic financial sector is also producing new goods and services to meet the specific needs of Muslim clients. As the industry continues to develop and evolve digitally, cybersecurity and data protection must be addressed to guarantee that new technologies are deployed in a sustainable and safe manner. The cluster provides a well-informed appraisal of the green cluster’s potential for growth and development in the Islamic banking industry. It emphasizes the need of researching this cluster, which has few connections to other clusters and focuses on the role of technology in providing Shariah-compliant financial services. The scautholars predict that AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology will continue to be used to promote safe and transparent transactions, as well as the introduction of novel goods and services suited to the special demands of Muslim customers. While the paper might need greater discussion of the problems and hazards involved with new technology, it does give useful insights into the future of Islamic fintech. lists the Cluster 3 terms, along with their frequency and relationships.
Table 38.
Cluster 3 keywords including Islamic finance and fintech.
Financial Technology 33 70 30
Banking 23 21
19 24 5
3
P2p Lending 11 12 3
Blockchain 8 8 2
Cryptocurrency 8 8 2
Disruption 6 8
2
According to the supplied map, it looks as if the blue cluster of terms presents a significant issue and will need in-depth analysis in the near future. The additional clusters shown on the map are connected to and related to this cluster in a number of ways. Therefore, a thorough examination of the connections between the blue cluster and the other clusters is essential. Fintech’s application to alter Islamic banking is a current trend that will likely have a big influence on the sector in the future. One of the important trends in this space is the incorporation of fintech products into Islamic banking operations, which is anticipated to improve operational effectiveness, increase customer satisfaction, and lower costs (Zouari and Abdelhedi 2021; Barbu et al. 2021). Peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and robo-advisory services are just a few of the new goods and services that this integration will allow Islamic banks to provide (Abdeljawad et al. 2022). The rising usage of blockchain technology in Islamic banking is another future trend that is expected to materialize and has the ability to improve the sector’s transparency and security (Truby and Ismailov 2022). Furthermore, it is anticipated that the use of AI and machine learning algorithms would strengthen Islamic banking’s capacity for fraud detection and risk management (Mohamed 2021; Chowdhury and Uddin 2021). Subsequently, it is anticipated that the transformation of Islamic banking through fintech would result in a more innovative and competitive sector that is better equipped to fulfill the changing demands of clients. Islamic finance is a fast-developing business, and fintech has been highlighted as a crucial trend that will alter the sector. Banks may increase efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost-cutting by incorporating fintech solutions into their Islamic banking processes. With this connection, Islamic banks will be able to provide new services such as peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and robo-advisory services. Blockchain technology is also expected to play an important role in improving Islamic banking transparency and security. Another area where fintech might improve Islamic finance is the incorporation of AI and machine learning algorithms in fraud detection and risk management. Finally, the transformation of Islamic banking via fintech is projected to result in a more innovative and competitive industry that can better meet the demands of clients. A thorough investigation of the links between the various clusters is required for the industry’s future growth. The blue cluster on the map looks to be a big issue that warrants in-depth investigation. The scautholars emphasize the significance of investigating the connections between the blue cluster and the other clusters. Fintech product integration with Islamic banking operations is a contemporary trend that is projected to increase operational efficiency, customer happiness, and cut costs. This connection will enable the adoption of new goods and services such as peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and robo-advisory services. Blockchain technology, as well as AI and machine learning algorithms, are expected to increase transparency, security, and fraud detection in Islamic banking.
Table 49.
Cluster 4 keywords including Islamic finance and fintech.
Keywords (Cluster 4):
2
Ecosystem
11
13
2
Payments 12 12 2
Revolution 8 9 2
Transformation 9 11
  • Cluster 3: “The Transformation of Islamic Banking: How Fintech is changing the Game”
Twelve items make up the study cluster “The Transformation of Islamic Banking: How Fintech is Changing the Game”, which mainly focuses on important issues such as “Financial Technology”, “Ecosystem”, “Revolution”, and “Industry”. Table 38
Keywords (Cluster 3): Links Total Links Strength Occurrences
6
Industry
Information Technology 15 19 3
Model 19 21
Digitalization
4
5 2
  • Cluster 1: “Financial Inclusion and Corporate Governance in Islamic Fintech”
Thirteen items make up the study cluster “Financial Inclusion and Corporate Governance in Islamic Fintech”, which mainly focuses on important issues such as “Islamic Banking”, “Islamic Fintech”, “Corporate Governance”, and “Financial Inclusion”. Table 16 lists the first cluster of terms, Cluster 1, along with their frequency and relationships.
Table
Occurrences
Islamic Finance
10 19 9
15 21 4
Determinants 15 20 3 Corporate Governance 17 20 3
Impact 13 15
Efficiency 18 20 3 Islamic Banking 4 8 3
Ownership 17 19 Performance 16 18 3
3
3 Trust 13
Risk15 3 22 24 3 Banks 7 9 2
Financial Institutions
Bank Performance14 14 102 12 2 COVID-19 10 10 2
Mobile Banking 8 9 2
Earnings 10 14
2 Services 13 13 2 Financial Inclusion 4 5 2
Technology Acceptance Model 11 Information 14 14 2
Islamic Finance Industry 7 7 2
Size 10 11 2
The red cluster on the map, according to the data, is an indication of a major idea that will need in-depth investigation in the future. This cluster, which spans the whole map from the center to the far right, shows a direct connection to the blue cluster while also showing an indirect connection to the green and yellow clusters. These findings emphasize the value of thoroughly examining this idea in order to comprehend its ramifications. Recent years have seen explosive growth in the Islamic fintech sector, in part due to a focus on financial inclusion and a dedication to moral and Shariah-compliant business practices (Tok and Heng 2022). With their strong growth, it is probable that these trends will continue to influence the sector as Islamic fintech businesses work to increase underprivileged groups’ access to financial services while keeping high standards of corporate governance (World Bank 2020). Fintech will continue to alter Islamic finance through Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) concerns, with blockchain technology playing a key role in enhancing transparency, security, and transaction speed. To remain competitive, there will be an increase in ESG-focused Islamic fintech businesses as well as digital banking services. Social impact investment will also grow, with an emphasis on creating both financial rewards and beneficial social effects. Finally, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used to obtain a better knowledge of client demands and to build more tailored financial products and services (De Anca 2019; Goud et al. 2021; Alshater et al. 2022). Islamic banking and fintech are fast expanding industries that stress financial inclusivity and Shariah-compliant business methods. The use of bibliometric analysis identified significant clusters in several domains, including a red cluster that will need to be investigated further. As Islamic fintech companies expand, they will prioritize accountability, transparency, and risk management in corporate governance. Blockchain technology will be critical in improving transparency and security, while social impact investing will generate financial incentives as well as beneficial social consequences. Finally, machine learning and AI will aid in the development of customized financial products and services. The cluster offers unique insights into the rise and possible future of Islamic fintech, emphasizing its significance in the financial services industry as well as the significance of blockchain technology, ESG issues, and social impact investing. However, the essay might benefit from a more extensive study of the obstacles encountered by Islamic fintech enterprises, a discussion of the ethical considerations associated with the use of machine learning and AI, and more specific instances of successful Islamic fintech ventures.
  • Cluster 2: “Information Technology and Future Financial Islamic Services”
Thirteen items make up the study cluster “Information Technology and Financial Islamic Services”, which focuses mainly on important issues such as “Information Technology”, “Financial Institutions”, “Technology Acceptance Model”, and “User Acceptance”. Table
Profitability
10
14
2
12
2
Technology Adoption 8 8 2
User Acceptance 10 12 2
Utaut Model 8 9 2
Carrying out a detailed investigation of the green cluster shown on the map will be essential in the upcoming time. Although showing essentially little link with the yellow and red clusters, this cluster has a slender relationship with the blue cluster. People may anticipate a growing focus on the function of information technology in providing financial services that are consistent with Shariah principles as the Islamic finance sector continues to expand and change (Atif et al. 2021).
  • Cluster 4: “Islamic Finance: A Growing Force in the Digital Age”
Nine items make up the study cluster “Islamic Finance: A Growing Force in the Digital Age”, which mainly focuses on important issues such as “growth”, “bank performance”, “competition”, and “efficiency”. Table 49 lists the fourth cluster of terms, Cluster 4, along with their frequency and relationships.
Links Total Links Strength Occurrences
Growth 17 21 5
Competition 16 24 4
The yellow cluster of sentences is made up of complex concepts that call for additional research, according to the supplied map. The poor links this cluster has with other clusters on the map also suggest a possible lack of integration with larger conceptual frameworks. Therefore, in-depth investigation and analysis are necessary to comprehend the intricacy and potential connections between the yellow cluster and other clusters. In the digital age, Islamic finance is expanding quickly. Future changes to the Islamic financial sector are expected because of the growing usage of digital technology. One of the important factors that will decide the future of Islamic finance is the integration of digital technology into traditional banking operations (Nurdin and Yusuf 2020). Through this connection, Islamic banks will be able to provide consumers with services such as online account management, mobile banking, and e-payment solutions that are more effective and streamlined (Wenner et al. 2018; Mujahed et al. 2022). The adoption of blockchain technology in Islamic finance is another anticipated future development since it might improve the sector’s transparency, security, and adherence to Islamic precepts (Abojeib and Habib 2021; Chong 2021). Big data analytics and AI usage are also anticipated to transform risk management procedures and improve client profiling in Islamic finance (Milana and Ashta 2021). Furthermore, the expansion of fintech startups in the Islamic finance sector is anticipated to open up new channels for cooperation and invention, resulting in the creation of fresh goods and services (Ali et al. 2019). Subsequently, it is anticipated that the fusion of digital technology with Islamic finance would provide a more open, inclusive, and competitive market that responds to the changing demands of consumers (Qudah et al. 2021). The use of digital technology in Islamic banking is predicted to determine the industry’s future as the digital era brings significant expansion to the sector. Islamic banks can leverage digital technology to provide more efficient and streamlined services to consumers, such as online account management and e-payment options. Another potential development that might increase transparency and security is the implementation of blockchain technology in Islamic banking. Furthermore, big data analytics and artificial intelligence can improve risk management procedures and customer profiling. The growth of fintech firms in the Islamic finance industry is projected to create new prospects for innovation. Subsequently, the combination of digital technology with Islamic banking is expected to result in a more open and competitive market that adapts to changing customer needs. More study is needed to establish possible links between the yellow cluster and other clusters, as well as to fully comprehend the potential for innovation in the Islamic banking business. The cluster gives an overview of how digital technology might alter the Islamic banking industry, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating fintech products and services, blockchain technology, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The cluster, on the other hand, may benefit from a more in-depth examination of possible dangers and issues related with digital technology, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and accessibility. Overall, while the chapter gives useful insights, a more balanced perspective that takes into account potential dangers and problems would be beneficial.
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