By Harshit Kumar Siddharth | October 6, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | 10:00 AM EDT
The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed a significant IRS leadership shake-up on Monday, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will remain the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, while Frank Bisignano takes on a newly created top deputy role. The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of federal agency leadership and operational efficiency.
Bessent Maintains Control of the IRS
Scott Bessent, who assumed control of the IRS in August after President Donald Trump removed Billy Long just two months following his confirmation, will continue leading the tax agency. This dual role makes Bessent the first Treasury Secretary in U.S. history to simultaneously serve as IRS commissioner, a move that has drawn attention from both policymakers and investors concerned about potential politicization of tax enforcement.
Sources say that the dual-leadership model is intended to separate strategic oversight and operational management. While Bessent focuses on broader Treasury responsibilities, Bisignano will oversee the IRS’s daily operations.
Read more on IRS leadership changes
Frank Bisignano Appointed Top Deputy
Frank Bisignano, previously commissioner of the Social Security Administration, brings extensive corporate and executive experience to the IRS. His past roles include serving as president and CEO of Fiserv, where he oversaw the 2019 merger with First Data, as well as executive positions at JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup.
In his new role, Bisignano will manage the IRS’s operational functions, including compliance, auditing, and technology upgrades, while retaining oversight of Social Security operations. Officials say this dual role will continue indefinitely unless further adjustments are announced by the administration.
Wider Treasury Responsibilities
Beyond the IRS, Bessent is actively leading the search for a replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May 2026. According to sources, the Treasury has already interviewed 11 candidates, narrowing the list to three to five individuals expected to be presented to President Trump later this week.
Analysts note that managing both the IRS and key Treasury functions simultaneously is an unusual arrangement, prompting questions about the prioritization of federal agency oversight and the effectiveness of policy execution.
Market and Policy Implications
The IRS leadership shake-up could have immediate implications for tax policy enforcement, federal operations, and investor confidence. With Bisignano in charge of day-to-day operations, some observers expect a more streamlined approach to tax administration, while others caution about potential conflicts arising from dual responsibilities.
Financial markets and policy experts are likely to monitor how these appointments impact compliance initiatives, IRS modernization programs, and federal budgeting for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
Looking Ahead
The dual-leadership model at the IRS represents an unprecedented approach to federal agency governance, reflecting the Trump administration’s willingness to implement unconventional management structures. Stakeholders across government, business, and finance will be watching closely to see whether this arrangement enhances operational efficiency or introduces new challenges.
As the IRS navigates this transitional period, employees and taxpayers alike will be assessing how the changes affect day-to-day services, audits, and long-term planning for U.S. tax administration.
