The Bibiliometric Analysis of Bank Competition

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scholarly literature review on bank competition spanning the period from 1936 to 2025. Drawing upon 743 Scopus-indexed publications, the analysis provides a longitudinal and thematic mapping of the intellectual structure, research trends, and influential contributions within the field. Using performance analysis and science mapping techniques—such as co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling—this study identifies four major research clusters: (1) regulation, stability, and inclusion; (2) market structure and risk-taking; (3) digital finance and financial constraints; and (4) efficiency, profitability, and risk. Prominent scholars like Thorsten Beck, Boyd & De Nicoló, and Claessens are identified as key contributors, while leading journals such as the Journal of Banking and Finance and Journal of Money, Credit and Banking serve as pivotal dissemination platforms. The analysis reveals underexplored areas including the role of fintech in shaping competitive dynamics, the intersection of bank competition with ESG finance, and the impact of global regulatory diversity. The study concludes by outlining future research directions, including non-linear effects of competition, post-pandemic resilience, and emerging issues such as open banking and digital identity frameworks. This work significantly advances both the methodological and conceptual understanding of bank competition and offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.