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Volume:7, Issue: 3
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Journal of European Economic History
2026, Volume:7, Issue: 3 : 240-255 doi: 10.61336/JEEH/23-3-16
Research Article
TRACING THE EVOLUTION OF DIGITAL FINANCE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY ADOPTION
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1
Asst Professor, Acharya Bangalore B School, Andrahalli Main Road off Magadi Road, Bangalore-560091, Karnataka, India,
2
Asst Professor, Kishkinda University, Mount View Campus, Off 28km, Ballari-583120, Karnataka, India, , ORCID: 0009-0007-5947-5771
3
Asst Professor, Kishkinda University, Mount View Campus, Off 28km, Ballari-583120, Karnataka, India, , ORCID: 0009-0000-0260-3639
4
Asst Professor, Kishkinda University, Mount View Campus, Off 28km, Ballari-583120, Karnataka, India,
5
Professor & Dean, Department of Commerce & Management Studies, Vidya Vikas First Grade College, Mysore, Karnataka, India, , ORCID: 0000-0002-6678-9425
Received
July 8, 2026
Revised
July 29, 2026
Accepted
July 31, 2026
Published
Aug. 5, 2026
Abstract

The rapid expansion of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and digital finance has significantly transformed global commerce by reshaping payment systems, cross-border transactions, financial intermediation, and trust mechanisms. Despite the growing body of research in this domain, the literature remains fragmented across technological, financial, and commercial perspectives. This study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to synthesize and structure existing research on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital finance in global commerce. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, bibliographic data were collected exclusively from the Scopus database, covering peer-reviewed articles and reviews published between 2022 and 2026. An initial dataset of 1,742 records was refined through a rigorous screening and eligibility process, resulting in 167 studies for qualitative synthesis and 132 studies for quantitative bibliometric analysis. The review identifies key thematic clusters, including blockchain-enabled trade finance, cryptocurrency adoption in cross-border payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), regulatory challenges, financial inclusion, and digital trust in global markets. Bibliometric results reveal a sharp growth in publications, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and increasing contributions from emerging economies. The study highlights critical research gaps related to regulatory harmonization, scalability, sustainability, and real-world commercial adoption. By offering a consolidated intellectual structure of the field, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the evolving role of blockchain and digital finance in global commerce.

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