R.F. Lafferty names Robert Hackel CEO and owner

R.F. Lafferty & Co. appointed longtime executive Robert Hackel as chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition that keeps control within the family-owned broker-dealer. Hackel, who has spent nearly three decades at the firm, will now steer strategy across retail brokerage, wealth management, trading, research and investment banking.

Why it matters: - Robert Hackel’s appointment keeps leadership and ownership inside R.F. Lafferty’s family structure. - The move signals continuity at a 79-year-old broker-dealer that serves retail, institutional and corporate clients globally. - Hackel now takes charge of the firm’s long-term growth strategy as the business faces a changing market backdrop.

What happened: - R.F. Lafferty & Co. named Robert Hackel chief executive officer on June 17, 2026. - Hackel also became the owner of R.F. Lafferty. - Henry Hackel will remain at the firm as Financial and Operations Principal, or FINOP. - Henry Hackel had owned the firm since 1970. - Robert Hackel had served nearly three decades at R.F. Lafferty as chief operating officer before the promotion. - Robert Hackel joined the firm in 1997.

The details: - As CEO, Hackel will oversee strategic direction and the firm’s core business lines. - Those businesses include retail brokerage, wealth management, institutional sales and trading, market making, research and investment banking. - Hackel will continue to guide the firm’s long-term growth strategy as owner. - R.F. Lafferty said Hackel played a central role in maintaining commitments to clients and staff while expanding the full-service platform. - The firm said Hackel will keep focusing on strengthening its position as an independent broker-dealer. - The company serves retail, institutional and corporate clients globally. - R.F. Lafferty was established in 1946 and is headquartered in New York. - The firm has been family owned and operated since 1970. - R.F. Lafferty offers customized services in retail brokerage, wealth management, institutional sales and trading, market making, independent research and investment banking. - The company’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - The leadership change appears designed to preserve a long-running management model rather than reset the firm’s direction. - Henry Hackel’s comments point to a third-generation transition, with Amanda Hackel also contributing to the company’s future. - Robert Hackel’s focus on “long-term relationships” and “disciplined execution” suggests the firm wants to emphasize stability over disruption.

What's next: - Hackel is expected to lead R.F. Lafferty’s operating businesses and growth plans from the CEO and ownership roles. - The firm will likely continue positioning itself around continuity, family control and a full-service platform.