With the advancement of financial technology, there are more free and open-source investment banking simulation tools available online. These simulations allow students and finance professionals to develop practical skills in areas like financial modeling, valuation, mergers and acquisitions through hands-on practice. By searching on Github, one can find excel-based modeling simulators across different asset classes like real estate, infrastructure, oil and gas etc. Some also offer case studies on live deals like IPOs, LBOs, M&A and restructuring. Using such free simulations will complement finance learnings and help build business acumen.
Open-source investment banking simulations develop financial modeling skills
Investment banking involves complex financial modeling and valuation analysis across various asset classes. Getting hands-on practice building models for real companies help grasps concepts better. Many open-source Excel-based simulations are available on Github that offer step-by-step guidance in constructing forecast models, valuation, sensitivity analysis etc. Some even have videos explaining the concepts. Working through these self-paced learning modules, finance students/professionals can significantly improve their financial modeling abilities.
Simulators with live case studies provide practical M&A experience
For investment bankers working on live deals, skills like identifying value creation levers, structuring mergers and acquisition transactions, building LBO models etc. are critical. Open-source simulations use real-life examples like Big Tech IPOs, Oil & Gas M&A deals and walk through details like valuation, financing structure, shareholding changes etc. Some even offer multiple scenarios to analyze outcomes. Working through these simulations provides great practice before joining actual projects.
Complement conceptual knowledge with software simulations
While classroom learning, books and lectures provide strong conceptual knowledge in finance, putting those theoretical concepts to practice on Excel models, presentations etc. require a different skillset. Freely available Github resources bridge this gap by offering easy-to-use investment banking simulations covering valuation models, case studies presentations etc. Without any financial commitment, these provide great hands-on practice.
In conclusion, openly shared investment banking simulations available in public forums like Github, are great for developing core finance skills through hands-on practice on live case examples. As concepts get clearer through simulations, one is better prepared for real-world client facing projects.