Met someone IRL to talk about this with.  It seems one is asking for trouble if they're trying to do this over the web.  It is possible to manage if every contact is a family member / friend / acquaintance . . . etc. . .

It will boil down to the fact on whether or not one trusts a stranger with their money.  Given that there are no guarantees or insurances (yet), this can be really scary.

Also, lots of laws in different countries (most of North America, EU, etc...) have very specific laws regarding broker dealers and required permits.  So one would have to be well acquainted with their local laws before proceeding.

But in a country where there are no means to trade  U.S. stocks I would think someone might have interest.

-akspecs