A delegation fee is a charge associated with staking in proof-of-stake networks. It occurs when users delegate their tokens to a validator instead of directly participating in the staking process themselves. Validators maintain the network’s integrity by confirming transactions and creating new blocks.When you delegate your tokens, you are essentially entrusting them to a validator. In return, the validator handles the technical complexities of staking and operates the node. As compensation for their services, validators often take a percentage of the rewards earned from staking.This fee can vary between different validators, and it’s important for users to consider it when choosing whom to delegate their tokens to. A lower fee may lead to higher overall returns, but it’s equally vital to evaluate the validator’s performance and reliability.In essence, the delegation fee reflects the cost of outsourcing staking responsibilities to a third party while still participating in earning rewards from the network.