A prime time to invest

Choosing a prime broker can be a daunting task for any hedge fund manager. David Walker met Lehman Brothers' Gunner Burkhart for some tips on how to make the right decision and avoid the political pitfalls common in some investment banks

Gunner Burkhart does not hesitate when asked what a hedge fund should look for when faced with a potentially confusing array of prime brokers, all trying to differentiate themselves.

"There are three basic questions to ask, before you delve into the quality and characteristics of the products.

"First, 'Where and how is the prime business positioned in the firm?'" he says, "and make sure you get a very clear answer on that. This is crucial to understanding both the degree of strategic importance of