Sustainable finance in action: A comprehensive framework for policy and practice integration

This study examines the current state of sustainable finance and proposes a strategic roadmap for its advancement in policy and practice, emphasizing the integration of sustainability principles into financial systems to address global environmental and social challenges. Using an integrative literature review of 684 scholarly articles—combining bibliometric analysis with manual review—the research identifies six critical themes and highlights major barriers such as regulatory ambiguity, lack of standardized metrics, and limited data availability. It offers targeted recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders to overcome these challenges. The study provides a novel methodological contribution by merging bibliometric and qualitative insights, and outlines practical strategies to enhance regulatory frameworks, encourage innovation in sustainable finance, and promote emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. Ultimately, it supports the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into financial practices, fostering a more responsible and inclusive financial ecosystem.