🔗 Share this article

JP Morgan Chase has told employees working at its new headquarters in New York that they must submit their biological identifiers to gain entry the multibillion-dollar structure.

Shift from Voluntary to Mandatory

The investment bank had originally planned for the enrollment of employee biometrics at its new skyscraper to be optional.

Yet, staff of the biggest American bank who have started operations at the main office since this summer have obtained emails stating that biometric entry was now "mandatory".

The Technology Behind Entry

Biometric access requires employees to submit their fingerprints to enter access portals in the main floor in place of scanning their ID badges.

Headquarters Details

The corporate tower, which apparently was built for $3bn to build, will ultimately serve as a workplace for thousands of workers once it is completely filled before year-end.

Safety Justification

The banking institution did not provide a statement but it is assumed that the use of physical identifiers for access is created to make the facility better protected.

Special Cases

There are exemptions for certain staff members who will still be able to use a traditional pass for access, although the requirements for who will employ more traditional ID access remains undefined.

Additional Technological Features

In addition to the deployment of biometric readers, the bank has also launched the "Work at JPMC" smartphone application, which functions as a virtual ID and hub for worker amenities.

The app allows users to handle guest registration, explore interior guides of the building and pre-order meals from the premises' multiple food service providers.

Broader Safety Concerns

The introduction of stricter access protocols comes as American companies, especially those with major presence in NYC, look to increase security following the attack of the CEO of one of the leading healthcare providers in recent months.

Brian Thompson, the head of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot not far from JP Morgan's offices.

Future Expansion Possibilities

It is uncertain if the financial firm aims to introduce the biometric system for staff at its offices in other major financial centres, such as London.

Employee Tracking Developments

The action comes amid debate over the use of digital tools to monitor employees by their employers, including observing workplace presence.

In recent months, all staff members on mixed remote-office plans were directed they have to report to the office full-time.

Management Commentary

The company's leader, the financial executive, has described the bank's new skyscraper as a "tangible expression" of the company.

The executive, one of the world's most powerful bankers, recently alerted that the probability of the US stock market crashing was far greater than many investors believed.