Agile methodologies to support multinational market for a fintech product

Abstract

This study examines the application and effectiveness of agile development methods in a multinational fintech company as it enters the Brazilian market. The study combines questionnaire surveys and open interviews to collect data from various departments, including Development, Product Management, PMO, Product Design, Compliance, Risk Management, and Marketing Operations, across headquarters in both Singapore and Brazil. Findings indicate that although most team members employ agile practices such as iterative planning, small module development, and regular retrospectives, challenges remain in fully understanding agile frameworks and in adopting collaborative tools across different departments. Cultural differences and time zone disparities further complicate communication and workflow. Interviewees reveal that obstacles in market promotion, risk control, and compliance processes hinder the efficient implementation of agile practices. Based on the data analysis, the study proposes modifications in team integration, front-loaded market action, and dynamic agile approaches to help similar product teams better coordinate and respond to evolving market conditions. While limitations in sample size and data comprehensiveness may affect the generalizability of the findings, the insights presented offer valuable guidance for multinational enterprises seeking to refine their agile strategies in new market environments.