Financial networks a retrospective view to looking ahead

Abstract

This study defines the cognitive structure of financial networks research by looking at the terms scholars have used over the last 31 years of research. Applying co-word analysis over a sample of 680 records extracted from Scopus database, the findings reveal that that the literature on financial networks is made up of six thematic clusters, these are: Dynamics of financial networks, Complex banking networks, Risk and contagion in financial networks, Topology and structure of financial networks, Main methodologies and techniques and Post-crisis responses. In addition to laying the groundwork for understanding financial networks through a retrospective view, this study shows how bibliometrics (especially co-words analysis) can contribute to reducing conceptual ambiguity in emerging research fields, such as financial networks research, and open doors for future research.