Equity Trust Company (Order Granting Extension)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA before the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Release No. 10066 / April 14, 2016 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING File No. 3-16594 In the Matter of EQUITY TRUST COMPANY ORDER GRANTING EXTENSION Chief Administrative Law Judge Brenda P. Murray has moved, pursuant to Commission Rule of Practice 360(a)(3),1 for an extension, until June 29, 2016, to issue an initial decision in this proceeding. The initial decision is currently due by April 15, 2016. Noting that the hearing in the case lasted 8 days and generated over 1,000 exhibits, Chief Judge Murray justifies her request "because of the complex issues to be resolved and the magnitude of the record . . . ." We adopted Rule of Practice 360(a) to enhance the timely and efficient adjudication and disposition of Commission administrative proceedings by setting deadlines for issuance of an initial decision.2 That rule provides, however, for extensions of those deadlines under certain circumstances if supported by a motion from the Chief Administrative Law Judge and if we 1 17 C.F.R. § 201.360(a)(3). 2 See Adopting Release, Exchange Act Release No. 48018, 2003 WL 21354791, at *2 (June 11, 2003) ("[T]he Commission has determined that timely completion of proceedings can be achieved more successfully through the adoption of mandatory deadlines and procedures designed to meet these deadlines."). 2 determine that "additional time is necessary or appropriate in the public interest."3 From our review of the present motion, it appears appropriate in the public interest to grant Chief Judge Murray’s request and extend the time period for filing the initial decision. Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the deadline for filing the initial decision in this proceeding is extended to June 29, 2016. By the Commission. Brent J. Fields Secretary 3 17 C.F.R. § 201.360(a)(3).