Research on sustainable finance has experienced significant growth in recent years, but the exploration from a comprehensive perspective is still in its nascent stages. As of July 2023, our research revealed that this area remains relatively underexplored in the existing body of knowledge, leading to a notable lack of comprehensive research analyzing the current state-of-the-art in the social finance arena. To address this gap, our study takes a pioneering approach by utilizing scientometrics and network analysis techniques, specifically employing VOSviewer and Bibliometrix in conjunction with Web of Science and Scopus databases. By merging data from both sources and removing duplicate entries, we established a consolidated database of 401 relevant studies. Through our analysis, we have identified prominent authors, sources, and the most influential studies in the social finance arena. Additionally, we examined the coupling of studies and authors to ascertain their significance in this emerging domain. The results have unveiled several prominent further research, including mainly social banking, Islamic finance, social innovation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, impact investing, social impact bonds, and Sustainable Development Goals. By shedding light on the current landscape, our findings comprehensively understand the field's progress and potential directions. This insight is valuable for market participants, researchers, policymakers, and decision-makers seeking to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of sustainable finance with a social focus. Furthermore, our innovative use of scientometrics and network analysis sets a precedent for future research exploring the complex interplay between finance, development, and sustainability. © 2024 The Authors. Business Strategy and Development published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.