A prime broker is simply a broker that offers a group of specialized services to top clients. This service spawned from the needs of hedge funds, but is useful for anyone who is a serious trader. The key advantage of a prime brokerage is that it usually provides a client with ability to trade with multiple brokerage houses while maintaining a centralized master account with all of the client's cash and securities. Prime Brokerage typically includes the following services:

• Account consolidation


• Trade execution


• Stock loan


• Margin financing


• Operational support


• New Issue Services
  

Services may also include assistance with introducing fund managers to potential investors, providing office space leasing on-site for clients, technology support, and more. Some also offer a risk management and regulatory consulting. Other prime brokers specialize in niche segment of the financial markets, such as IPOs. For example, Triad Securities provides comprehensive data on the global new issue market.

If your trading account is worth more than 300K, you should consider contacting a prime broker and asking them what services are available to you.