Trump administration appoints former JPMorgan exec Matt Zames as unpaid Social Security adviser

Matt Zames, a former JPMorgan executive, has agreed to serve in an unpaid capacity to assist former colleague Frank Bisignano with the modernization of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), CNBC reports. The move comes as the SSA seeks to overhaul its technology infrastructure and improve service delivery to millions of beneficiaries.

Zames brings a decade of experience in financial technology and regulatory compliance, having led digital transformation initiatives at JPMorgan. Bisignano, who was recently appointed to a senior SSA oversight role, is tasked with steering the agency’s efforts to adopt cloud-based systems, enhance data analytics capabilities, and streamline claims processing. The partnership aims to accelerate the SSA’s transition to more agile, secure, and user‑friendly platforms.

While the arrangement is unpaid, it underscores the urgency of the modernization effort and the SSA’s reliance on private‑sector expertise. If successful, the initiative could reduce processing times and improve the overall efficiency of the agency’s operations, benefiting the millions of Americans who depend on Social Security benefits.