[bo1024]

> This is the main application for Bitcoin IMO: custody and trade settlement in securities.

Could you explain what problem bitcoin (or blockchains in general) solve in this space, or what improvement they can bring?

[closeparen]

You can't be trusted to self-certify what you own. Middlemen who are trusted to keep the records of who owns what charge fees for their services.

[bo1024]

Wow, interesting, I had no idea something like that would be a problem. Still seems surprising to me that whoever creates the blockchain couldn't just maintain the data structure as a centralized trusted authority, e.g. if they are going to be the one paying out the bond later anyway.