Advising With Flexibility: How an Independent Financial Advisor Built a Global Practice

When Anita Niefeld made the leap from a major firm to independence, she wasn’t just changing platforms; she was redefining what flexibility means for a modern advisor.

For a period of time, Anita lived in Germany with her family while continuing to serve clients across the United States. Her children attended one of the top-rated schools in the country, and she ran her practice seamlessly from abroad, a lifestyle few advisors imagine possible, but one that independence through Victory Financial has made both sustainable and successful.

Now, as her family returns to Austin, Anita credits this chapter as a defining proof point of what true flexibility can look like in wealth management.

“I wanted more control over my day and deeper relationships with my clients,” Anita shared. “Becoming independent has given me both, and the freedom to build my business my way.”

Where Flexibility Meets Fulfillment

Leaving the structure of a large institution isn’t easy. Client transitions, new systems, and rebuilding processes can feel daunting. But with the support of Victory Financial’s transition team, Anita successfully transitioned her book of business and built momentum from day one, showing that independence doesn’t have to mean going it alone.

“Our team was impressed by how smoothly Anita executed her transition,” said Jeff Davidson, Founder of Victory Financial. “She did it while living abroad, which says a lot about her determination and the systems we’ve built to support advisors wherever they are.”

Building a Business Across Borders

Working internationally comes with challenges, but Anita turned geography into an advantage. She aligned with U.S. time zones, embraced virtual communication tools, and made periodic trips back to the U.S. for in-person client meetings. Her experience illustrates that a commitment to clients and the proper infrastructure can transcend geography and now informs her return to Austin with an even broader perspective.

Her innovative approach to marketing has further fueled her growth. Anita leverages digital content and professional marketing support to strengthen visibility and deepen client engagement across various platforms. “Anita is a great example of how our platform allows advisors to be creative,” said Kyle Wardlaw, President of Victory Financial. “Whether you’re in Austin or abroad, our infrastructure supports how you want to work.”

Anita’s success is supported by technology that adapts to her, not the other way around. Victory Financial provides access to a suite of modern planning, communication, and investment systems, while also offering the flexibility to integrate tools advisors prefer. This freedom ensures efficiency, compliance, and client-first service at every step.

Community and Collaboration

Even while thousands of miles away, Anita stayed connected to the Victory Financial advisor community. From collaboration opportunities to peer discussions, she experienced the benefit of independent practice with a strong support network behind her. “We encourage our advisors to connect and collaborate organically,” said Davidson. “Anita’s story shows that independence isn’t about doing it alone, it’s about doing it your way, with the right support behind you.”

Anita Niefeld’s journey proves that independence isn’t simply about where you work; it’s about the freedom to build a business that reflects your life, your values, and your vision for the future. At Victory Financial, we’re proud to support advisors like Anita who define success on their terms and inspire others along the way.

Ready to explore what independence could look like for you? Reach out to our President, Kyle Wardlaw, at kyle@victoryfinancialgroup.com.