Why has the average processing time for international transfers via Flutterwave Send increased from 2 minutes to 8 minutes over the last 48 hours?

Introduction

The sudden increase in average processing time for international transfers via Flutterwave Send from 2 minutes to 8 minutes over the last 48 hours is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. This significant slowdown could impact user satisfaction, transaction volumes, and ultimately, the company's bottom line. I'll approach this problem systematically, focusing on identifying the root cause, validating hypotheses, and developing both short-term fixes and long-term solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be related to a recent deployment. Have there been any system updates or changes in the last 72 hours?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor update to the payment gateway. Impact on approach: If confirmed, I'd focus on rollback options and code review.

• Considering the global nature of the service, I'm wondering about regional variations. Is this slowdown consistent across all geographic regions or concentrated in specific areas?

Why it matters: Helps isolate whether it's a global system issue or region-specific problem. Expected answer: The slowdown is more pronounced in transactions involving certain countries. Impact on approach: I'd investigate region-specific factors like local banking partners or regulations.

• Given the specific timeframe, I'm curious about any unusual transaction patterns. Has there been a significant spike in transaction volume or value in the last 48 hours?

Why it matters: Unusual activity could strain system resources. Expected answer: Transaction volume has remained relatively stable. Impact on approach: If volume isn't the issue, I'd focus more on internal system performance.

• Thinking about potential external factors, have there been any reported issues with major banking partners or payment networks in the last 48 hours?

Why it matters: External dependencies can significantly impact processing times. Expected answer: No major reported issues from partners. Impact on approach: I'd shift focus to internal systems and processes if external factors are ruled out.