IRS Chief Frank Bisignano denied a Wall Street Journal report that accused him of secretly monitoring colleagues while at JPMorgan, calling the allegations 'completely false.' On CNBC he said he 'wouldn't even know how' to access confidential regulatory files and criticized the story for relying on anonymous sources. Bisignano said Charlie Scharf called him after the report and the two 'had a good laugh.' He also emphasized strengthened cybersecurity and modernization efforts at the IRS and Social Security Administration.
IRS Chief Frank Bisignano Denies WSJ Report Alleging He Spied on JPMorgan Colleagues: 'I Wouldn't Even Know How'
IRS Chief Frank Bisignano Fires Back After WSJ Spying Report, Says He 'Wouldn't Even Know How' to Access Confidential Files: 'None of It's True...'
Internal Revenue Service Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano strongly denied a Wall Street Journal report that alleged he secretly monitored colleagues during his tenure as co-chief operating officer at JPMorgan Chase. Speaking on CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Bisignano called the allegations 'completely false' and rejected suggestions that he accessed confidential regulatory files.
Background
The Wall Street Journal reported that, more than a decade ago, Bisignano allegedly used his authority over JPMorgan's security operations to review internal communications and obtain sensitive material without a legitimate business purpose. The story cited unnamed sources and named Charlie Scharf, now CEO of Wells Fargo, as one alleged target.
Bisignano's Response
On CNBC Bisignano pushed back on the reporting: 'None of it's true ever in my whole career,' he said, and added about confidential regulatory files, 'Never. I wouldn't even know how to do that.' He called the Journal's coverage 'really bad journalism' and said the piece relied on anonymous sources.
'Charlie called me last night. We had a good laugh about it,' Bisignano said, referring to the Wells Fargo CEO. He also noted that Charlie Scharf and former JPMorgan executive Mike Cavanagh remain 'great friends.'
Reactions and Context
Bisignano highlighted that JPMorgan has denied the report's allegations and said CEO Jamie Dimon continues to support him. The interview served as Bisignano's public rebuttal to the Wall Street Journal piece.
Current Role and Priorities
Turning to his responsibilities at the IRS and the Social Security Administration, Bisignano emphasized safeguarding Americans' personal information as a top priority. He said both agencies have strengthened cybersecurity controls and governance since he took office. He also noted efforts to reduce fraud, waste and abuse across federal payment systems and referenced recommendations from a federal advisory panel to expand artificial intelligence, boost fraud detection, and enhance digital taxpayer services.
Since becoming IRS CEO, Bisignano has led operational changes including a leadership reorganization ahead of the 2026 tax filing season and a broader push to modernize the agency's technology and taxpayer services.
The CNBC interview is Bisignano's most direct public response to date to the Journal's reporting, which he says is inaccurate and unsupported by facts.
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