Mohammed Murad Earns Spot on Smith's 2025 All-Star Second Team for Research Excellence

PT Asset Management's Mohammed Murad:

PT Asset Management, LLC (PTAM) recently announced a remarkable achievement: Mohammed Murad, their Director of Municipal Credit Research, has been selected for Smith's esteemed 2025 All-Star Second Team in the Buyside Director of Research category. This accolade is recognized as one of the industry's most prestigious honors, emphasizing exceptional talent in municipal-market research, strategy, and trading.

The Smith's All-Star Ballot, now celebrating its 33rd year, received nominations from over 315 municipal analysts representing more than 85 firms, with the results determined by votes collected from more than 1,000 institutional investors. The results reflect the industry's appreciation for Murad's contributions and expertise, serving as an affirmation of his capabilities and hard work throughout the years.

Senior Portfolio Manager Mike Plaiss remarks on Murad's well-deserved recognition, stating, "Everyone who works with him each day knows he is clearly an all-star credit analyst." This statement aptly captures Murad's dedication to his craft and the esteem in which he is held by colleagues within the firm.

Murad's acknowledgment on the All-Star Second Team serves not just as a personal achievement but also highlights PTAM's unwavering commitment to independent thought, rigorous analysis, and evidence-based decisions in the municipal bond market. His leadership has played an integral role in shaping the firm's reputation for clarity and conviction when it comes to fixed-income investments.

PTAM's CEO, Sean Dranfield, praised Murad’s accomplishments, stating, "Many congratulations to Mo for this prestigious award. He has built a robust platform with his team that helps PTAM deeply understand the credit dynamics across the broad spectrum of municipal bond issuers. He is an invaluable member of our investment team." This endorsement speaks volumes about Murad’s influence within the organization and reflects his contributions to the overall success of PTAM.

Founded and based in Chicago, PT Asset Management is a boutique fixed-income asset management firm that adopts an interest-rate agnostic approach, striving to deliver superior long-term returns while navigating diverse market conditions. As of October 31, 2025, PTAM proudly manages $10.9 billion in assets spread across various investment vehicles, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts catering to institutional investors.

The firm’s research-oriented culture and dedication to independent analysis distinguish it within the competitive fixed-income landscape. PTAM’s emphasis on understanding the complexities and dynamics of the municipal bond market is a key driver in their strategy, ensuring that they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in this sector.

With Murad at the helm of municipal credit research, PTAM continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence, fostering a research-driven environment that benefits both the firm and its clients. This prestigious accolade is not solely a reflection of Murad’s personal excellence; it is also a testament to PTAM's growth, integrity, and enduring dedication to best practices in asset management.

In conclusion, Mohammed Murad’s recognition by Smith’s as a top-tier professional underscores his expertise and the significant contributions he makes to PT Asset Management and the wider municipal bond market. As PTAM evolves, it is clear that individuals like Murad will continue to pave the way for success in the field of fixed-income investing.