Areas of Practice & Expertise

For over 15 years, Azizul Ashraf has been actively engaged in litigation, with a focus on banking recovery, foreclosure, insolvency, and debt restructuring. His experience covers:

• Banking & Debt Recovery
  Civil actions for housing loans, personal loans, term loans, educational loans, hire purchase, Islamic financing, credit card facilities, overdrafts, and bridging loans.
  
• Islamic Finance Litigation
  Recovery actions and advisory work involving products such as Bai’ Bithaman Ajil, Bai’ Al-Inah, AITAB, Musyarakah Mutanaqisah, Mudharabah, Tawarruq, Istisna’, Qardhul Hassan, and Ijarah Muntahiyyah Bittamlik.
  
• Execution Proceedings
  Bankruptcy, winding-up, garnishee orders, judgment debtor summons, writs of seizure and sale, writs of distress, repossessions, and post-judgment enforcement.
  
• Foreclosure & Auctions
  Handling foreclosure proceedings before the High Court and Land Offices, including private auctions, contested foreclosures, and post-auction disputes.
  
• Civil & General Litigation
  Defamation, negligence, probate and administration, committal proceedings, and interlocutory applications (summary judgment, striking out, injunctions, stays, transfers, setting aside).
  
• Criminal Litigation
  Appeared up to the Court of Appeal in criminal proceedings involving forfeiture of property under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Alongside Partner Mohamad Hanafi, he has also served as a co-presenter with Senior Partner, En. Ashmadi Othman, in legal talks for banks and cooperatives, sharing insights on banking litigation and debt recovery.

Clients & Representation

• Financial Institutions
  Represented major banks including Maybank Islamic Berhad, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia Building Society Berhad, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia, Affin Bank Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Al Rajhi Bank, among others, across a wide range of banking disputes.
  
• Cooperative Societies
  Acted for cooperatives before the Tribunal Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia, including Koperasi Tentera (KT), KOPUTRA, KOBIMBING, KOSAMA, and others.
  
• Advisory & Opinions
  Frequently prepares legal opinions and provides advisory services on banking litigation, foreclosure, insolvency, and execution matters, assisting clients in both contested and uncontested proceedings.

Leadership Beyond Litigation

In addition to his legal practice, Azizul Ashraf plays a critical role in shaping the firm’s digital and operational strategy. He oversees the adoption of technology and innovation across the firm, ensuring that its systems remain secure, efficient, and aligned with client expectations.

• Operational Oversight: Leading initiatives to modernise the firm’s workflow, from digital document management to e-invoicing and solicitor-bank integrated platforms.
  
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Safeguarding client data and ensuring all IT systems comply with regulatory and banking standards.
  
• Digital Transformation: Driving projects in website development, branding, and professional communication tools to strengthen the firm’s presence and accessibility.

This dual role—as a litigator and as the partner steering the firm’s technological transformation—positions Azizul Ashraf as a bridge between law and innovation, ensuring that Messrs Zulpadli & Edham remains both a leader in litigation and a forward-looking firm prepared for the future of legal practice.

Summary

Azizul Ashraf is recognised for his diligence and commitment in litigation work, trusted by clients for his careful preparation and consistent advocacy. He has handled a wide range of cases, from debt recovery and foreclosure to insolvency and general civil disputes, always with a focus on achieving practical and reliable outcomes.

Over the years, he has represented major banks, cooperatives, and corporate clients, building a reputation as a dependable litigator who can be counted on in both contested and uncontested proceedings. His involvement as a co-presenter in talks with financial institutions and cooperatives also reflects his willingness to share knowledge and contribute beyond courtroom work.

Within the firm, he plays a supportive role to colleagues and juniors, helping maintain the strength and standards of the litigation team. He is valued not only for his advocacy but also for his readiness to assist and collaborate in achieving collective goals.

In addition, Azizul has contributed to the firm’s progress by guiding its digital and operational transformation. His work in modernising systems, ensuring compliance, and adopting secure digital solutions has helped the firm remain efficient, adaptive, and client-focused.

In essence, Azizul Ashraf is regarded as a reliable partner—dedicated to litigation, committed to teamwork, and supportive of the firm’s long-term growth through both legal excellence and innovation.