Academic exploration of blockchain and AI in financial services

Purpose The integration of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the financial services industry, offering transformative solutions in areas such as risk management, fraud detection, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a systematic literature review of over 100 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024, analyzing the benefits, challenges and future directions of blockchain-AI applications in financial services. Our findings reveal that while blockchain enhances data integrity, security and transparency, AI drives predictive analytics, automation and decision-making efficiency. Findings The synergy of these technologies holds significant potential yet faces critical challenges related to scalability, interoperability, regulatory compliance and ethical AI governance. We identify key research gaps, including the lack of standardized regulatory frameworks, limited real-world case studies and technical barriers to integration. To address these gaps, we propose a comprehensive theoretical framework linking technological advancements to regulatory and ethical considerations. This study contributes to both academic discourse and industry practice, offering actionable insights for financial institutions, technology developers and policymakers navigating the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape. Research limitations/implications The rapidly evolving nature of blockchain and AI technologies may limit the long-term applicability of some findings. The study primarily focuses on published academic literature, potentially overlooking some industry-specific developments. Future research should address the identified gaps, particularly in cross-chain interoperability, ethical AI frameworks, and long-term economic impacts. Empirical studies and case analyses could further validate the theoretical insights presented in this review. Originality/value This study provides a novel, comprehensive synthesis of blockchain and AI applications in financial services, offering valuable insights for both academics and practitioners. By critically examining the synergies and challenges of these technologies, it presents a unique perspective on their transformative potential in FinTech. The proposed research agenda addresses crucial gaps in current knowledge, guiding future investigations. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technological innovation, regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations in the evolving landscape of financial services.