BANKdynamics - Our history with banking simulation...

For more than five decades, Olson Research's bank simulations have been transformative tools for understanding the complex dynamics of bank financial management. Throughout this journey, we have been at the forefront, authoring several influential texts and developing computer applications that have significantly shaped the practice of simulation-based learning. These works have laid a strong foundation for banking professionals to master crucial performance management areas such as risk, return, capital, and growth.

These pages provide an overview of our rich history with bank simulation, highlighting the key milestones and partnerships that have driven its evolution. From the early days of leveraging timeshare computing and the first personal computers, to the pioneering use of spreadsheet programs like Lotus 1-2-3, to the unexpected inspirations drawn from hobby board games, the development of bank simulation has been shaped by diverse influences. Central to this evolution have been our training partnerships with state and graduate banking schools and, notably, our long-standing training association with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). Together, these partnerships have expanded the reach and impact of simulation-based learning, establishing it as an essential tool for the education and development of financial professionals.