Developing Sustainable Finance Regulation in The Asia-Pacific: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review

Authors

https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.14963

Keywords:


Downloads

Type:

Text

Abstract

The Asia-Pacific region faces challenges in terms of investment integrity, regulatory and technological barriers, and limited green investment, thus necessitating rapid research growth. Despite numerous studies on Sustainable Finance, developing nations require specific regulatory frameworks. This study explores sustainable finance regulation development, its narrative progression, the impact of global regulatory changes on innovation, and how legal adjustments can enhance sustainable finance during the energy transition. Through a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of 137 documents, this study highlights the contributions of scholars in China, Japan, and Malaysia. Since the Paris Agreement, the focus has shifted to green finance and technological advancements. New financial instruments such as green bonds and sustainable loans have driven innovation. Regulatory adjustments should support investment in energy transitions and green technologies. This study emphasizes the importance of transparency, consistent measurement and reporting, and strengthened supervision in sustainable finance policies. Effective practices and international cooperation are essential for future policy development, sustainable growth, and a fair energy transition.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Archer, M. (2019). Sustainable Finance. In M. Archer, Environmental Science. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780199363445-0117

Google Scholar Crossref

Aria, M. & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007

Google Scholar Crossref

Azhgaliyeva, D., Kapoor, A., and Liu, Y. (2020). Green bonds for financing renewable energy and energy efficiency in South-East Asia: A review of policies. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 10(2), 113–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/20430795.2019.1704160

Google Scholar Crossref

Bao, J., & He, M. (2022). Does green credit promote green sustainable development in regional economies?—Empirical evidence from 280 cities in China. PLoS ONE, 17(11), e0277569. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277569

Google Scholar Crossref

Bhatnagar, S., & Sharma, D. (2022). Evolution of green finance and its enablers: A bibliometric analysis. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 162, 112405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112405

Google Scholar Crossref

Chang, K., Liu, L., Luo, D., & Xing, K. (2023). The impact of green technology innovation on carbon dioxide emissions: The role of local environmental regulations. Journal of Environmental Management, 340, 117990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117990

Google Scholar Crossref

Chang, K., Luo, D., Dong, Y., & Xiong, C. (2024). The impact of green finance policy on green innovation performance: Evidence from Chinese heavily polluting enterprises. Journal of Environmental Management, 352, 119961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119961

Google Scholar Crossref

Chelminski, K. (2022). Climate Finance Effectiveness: A Comparative Analysis of Geothermal Development in Indonesia and the Philippines. The Journal of Environment & Development, 31(2), 139–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/10704965211070034

Google Scholar Crossref

Debrah, C., Darko, A., & Chan, A. P. C. (2023). A bibliometric-qualitative literature review of green finance gap and future research directions. Climate and Development, 15(5), 432–455. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2022.2095331

Google Scholar Crossref

Dimmelmeier, A. (2023). Expanding the politics of measurement in sustainable finance: Reconceptualizing environmental, social and governance information as infrastructure. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 23996544231209149. https://doi.org/10.1177/23996544231209149

Google Scholar Crossref

Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070

Google Scholar Crossref

Fang, Y., & Shao, Z. (2022). Whether Green Finance Can Effectively Moderate the Green Technology Innovation Effect of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3646. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063646

Google Scholar Crossref

Green, W. N. (2024). The anti-politics of impact investment: Financial self-regulation, market competition and over-indebtedness in Cambodia. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 0308518X241239797. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X241239797

Google Scholar Crossref

Gu, B., Chen, F., & Zhang, K. (2021). The policy effect of green finance in promoting industrial transformation and upgrading efficiency in China: Analysis from the perspective of government regulation and public environmental demands. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(34), 47474–47491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13944-0

Google Scholar Crossref

Guo, X., Yang, J., Shen, Y., & Zhang, X. (2024). Impact on green finance and environmental regulation on carbon emissions: Evidence from China. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 12, 1307313. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1307313

Google Scholar Crossref

Ho, B., & Andersen, F. (2024). Sustainable Finance to Support Climate Action in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia. In Financial and Technological Innovation for Sustainability (1st ed.). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003288343-9/sustainable-finance-support-climate-action-asia-pacific-southeast-asia-brian-ho-fredrik-andersen?context=ubx&refId=a524e627-afae-4049-a72e-62b97205107f

Google Scholar Crossref

Hu, Y., & Zheng, J. (2022). How does green credit affect carbon emissions in China? A theoretical analysis framework and empirical study. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(39), 59712–59726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20043-1

Google Scholar Crossref

Huang, L., & Lei, Z. (2021). How environmental regulation affect corporate green investment: Evidence from China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 279, 123560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123560

Google Scholar Crossref

Jaeggi, O., Webber Ziero, G., Tobin-de La Puente, J., & Kölbel, J. F. (2018). Understanding Sustainable Finance. In K. Wendt (Ed.), Positive Impact Investing (pp. 39–63). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10118-7_3

Google Scholar Crossref

Jing, R., & Liu, R. (2024). The impact of green finance on persistence of green innovation at firm-level: A moderating perspective based on environmental regulation intensity. Finance Research Letters, 62, 105274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2024.105274

Google Scholar Crossref

Johnstone, S., Long, F. J., & Bin Azhar, A. (2023). Progress and notions of progress in sustainable finance. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 13(4), 1554–1576. https://doi.org/10.1080/20430795.2022.2148816

Google Scholar Crossref

Kashi, A., & Shah, M. E. (2023). Bibliometric Review on Sustainable Finance. Sustainability, 15(9), 7119. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097119

Google Scholar Crossref

Khan, M. A. (2022). ESG disclosure and Firm performance: A bibliometric and meta analysis. Research in International Business and Finance, 61, 101668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2022.101668

Google Scholar Crossref

Lawani, S. M. (1981). Bibliometrics: Its theoretical foundations, methods and applications. Libri, 31(Jahresband), 294–315.

Google Scholar Crossref

Li, J., & Liu, W. (2023). The Impact of Environmental Regulation on Green Investment: The Regulatory Role of Internal Control. In J. Zhang, R. Ruan, & M. J. K. Bashir (Eds.), Environmental Pollution Governance and Ecological Remediation Technology (pp. 661–669). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25284-6_70

Google Scholar Crossref

Li, L., Ren, S., & Gao, Z. (2023). Green through finance: The impact of monetary policy uncertainty on inclusive green growth. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(44), 99913–99929. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-29076-6

Google Scholar Crossref

Liao X., S. X. R. (2018). Public appeal, environmental regulation and green investment: Evidence from China. Energy Policy, 119.0(nan). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.05.020

Google Scholar Crossref

Minh Sang, N. (2024). Mapping the evolution of green finance through bibliometric analysis. Environmental Economics, 15(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.21511/ee.15(1).2024.01

Google Scholar Crossref

Mohamed Shaffril, H. A., Samsuddin, S. F., & Abu Samah, A. (2021). The ABC of systematic literature review: The basic methodological guidance for beginners. Quality & Quantity, 55, 1319–1346.

Google Scholar Crossref

Page, Matthew J., Joanne E. McKenzie, Patrick M. Bossuyt, Isabelle Boutron, Thomas C. Hoffmann, Cynthia D. Mulrow, Larissa Shamseer, et al. (2021). "The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews." BMJ 372 (n71). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71.

Google Scholar Crossref

Pritchard, A. (1969). Statistical bibliography or bibliometrics. Journal of Documentation, 25, 348.

Google Scholar Crossref

Qiao, H., Zhu, J., & Huang, H. (2013). The impact of financial development on environment: An empirical analysis from 1996 to 2005 in China. 803–810. https://doi.org/10.2495/ITIE131072

Google Scholar Crossref

Raes, A., Detienne, L., Windey, I., & Depaepe, F. (2020). A systematic literature review on synchronous hybrid learning: Gaps identified. Learning Environments Research, 23, 269–290.

Google Scholar Crossref

Ren, F., Wu, T., Ren, Y., Liu, X., & Yuan, X. (2024). The impact of environmental regulation on green investment efficiency of thermal power enterprises in China-based on a three-stage exogenous variable model. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 8400. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58396-x

Google Scholar Crossref

Robiou Du Pont Y., J. M. L., Gütschow J. ,. Rogelj J. ,. Christoff P. ,. Meinshausen M. (2017). Equitable mitigation to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. Nature Climate Change, 7.0(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate3186

Google Scholar Crossref

Roemer, R. C., & Borchardt, R. (2015). Meaningful metrics: A 21st century librarian’s guide to bibliometrics, altmetrics, and research impact. Amer Library Assn.

Google Scholar Crossref

Saravade, V., Chen, X., Weber, O., & Song, X. (2023). Impact of regulatory policies on green bond issuances in China: Policy lessons from a top-down approach. Climate Policy, 23(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2022.2064803

Google Scholar Crossref

Schoenmaker, D. (2020). Sustainable finance. In J.-F. Morin & A. Orsini (Eds.), Essential Concepts of Global Environmental Governance (2nd ed., pp. 253–254). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367816681-103

Google Scholar Crossref

Setyowati, A. B. (2023). Governing sustainable finance: Insights from Indonesia. Climate Policy, 23(1), 108–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2020.1858741

Google Scholar Crossref

Shaffril, H. a. M., Samah, A. A., & Samsuddin, S. F. (2021). Guidelines for developing a systematic literature review for studies related to climate change adaptation. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(18), 22265–22277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13178-0

Google Scholar Crossref

Soppe, A. (2004). Sustainable Corporate Finance. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1/2), 213–224. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BUSI.0000039410.18373.12

Google Scholar Crossref

Tang, W.-Q., Meng, B., & Wu, L.-B. (2020). The impact of regulatory and financial discrimination on China’s low-carbon development: Considering firm heterogeneity. Advances in Climate Change Research, 11(2), 72–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accre.2020.06.002

Google Scholar Crossref

Tod, D. (2019). Introducing systematic reviews. In Springer eBooks (pp. 1–15). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12263-8_1

Google Scholar Crossref

Vieira, E. S., & Gomes, J. A. N. F. (2009). A comparison of Scopus and Web of Science for a typical university. Scientometrics, 81(2), 587–600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-2178-0

Google Scholar Crossref

Wang, Y., Lei, X., Long, R., & Zhao, J. (2020). Green Credit, Financial Constraint, and Capital Investment: Evidence from China’s Energy-intensive Enterprises. Environmental Management, 66(6), 1059–1071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01346-w

Google Scholar Crossref

Wilczynski, S. M. (2017). Systematic review. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 5–12). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-809480-8.00001-7

Google Scholar Crossref

Wilson, C. (2010). Why should sustainable finance be given priority?: Lessons from pollution and biodiversity degradation. Accounting Research Journal, 23(3), 267–280. https://doi.org/10.1108/10309611011092592

Google Scholar Crossref

Xia, Y., Luo, L., Ji, K., Huang, C., Wan, F., & Wang, Z. (2023). The impact of green finance and local regulations on industrial green innovation efficiency in China. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(2), 1980–1994. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31314-w

Google Scholar Crossref

Xu, Y., Li, S., Zhou, X., Shahzad, U., & Zhao, X. (2022). How environmental regulations affect the development of green finance: Recent evidence from polluting firms in China. Renewable Energy, 189, 917–926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.03.020

Google Scholar Crossref

Yang, T., Sun, Z., Du, M., Du, Q., Li, L., & Shuwaikh, F. (2023). The impact of the degree of coupling coordination between green finance and environmental regulations on firms’ innovation performance: Evidence from China. Annals of Operations Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05704-9

Google Scholar Crossref

Zhang, D. (2022). Green financial system regulation shock and greenwashing behaviors: Evidence from Chinese firms. Energy Economics, 111, 106064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2022.106064

Google Scholar Crossref

Zhang S., W. Z., Wang Y. ,. Hao Y. (2021). Fostering green development with green finance: An empirical study on the environmental effect of green credit policy in China. Journal of Environmental Management, 296.0(nan). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113159

Google Scholar Crossref

Zhou, X., & Du, J. (2021). Does environmental regulation induce improved financial development for green technological innovation in China? Journal of Environmental Management, 300, 113685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113685

Google Scholar Crossref

Downloads

Published

2025-03-28

Almetric

Dimensions

How to Cite

Huda, S., Abubakar, L., Yasardin, Y., & Wahid, S. H. (2025). Developing Sustainable Finance Regulation in The Asia-Pacific: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review. International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 14(1), 40–62. https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.14963

Issue

Section

Articles