Definition ∞ Protocol fee sharing is a mechanism within decentralized finance protocols where a portion of the fees generated from network activity is distributed among token holders or other participants. This system incentivizes community engagement and aligns the interests of users with the protocol’s success. Participants often stake tokens to qualify for these distributions. It serves as a method for value accrual and governance participation.
Context ∞ The implementation of protocol fee sharing models is a significant trend in DeFi, aimed at fostering decentralized governance and attracting liquidity providers. Discussions often revolve around the sustainability of these reward structures and their impact on token valuation. A critical future development involves refining these mechanisms to ensure fair distribution, long-term viability, and compliance with evolving regulatory interpretations of revenue sharing.