JP Morgan Requires Fingerprint or Eye Scans for Headquarters Access

JP Morgan Chase has informed staff members moving into its recently built headquarters in Manhattan that they are required to submit their biological identifiers to enter the high-value skyscraper.

Move from Discretionary to Compulsory

The financial firm had previously planned for the collection of employee biometrics at its Manhattan skyscraper to be discretionary.

Nevertheless, employees of the biggest American bank who have started operations at the main office since last month have been sent emails stating that physical scan entry was now "mandatory".

The Technology Behind Entry

This security method demands personnel to scan their eye patterns to gain access security gates in the entrance area in place of swiping their identification cards.

Office Complex Information

The bank's headquarters, which apparently was built for $3bn to construct, will eventually act as a base for ten thousand staff members once it is completely filled before year-end.

Protection Reasoning

JP Morgan did not provide a statement but it is believed that the implementation of biological markers for admission is intended to make the building more secure.

Exemption Provisions

There are exceptions for specific personnel who will retain the ability to use a traditional pass for admission, although the requirements for who will utilize more conventional entry methods remains unspecified.

Supporting Mobile Applications

Complementing the implementation of physical identifier systems, the organization has also launched the "Corporate Access" smartphone application, which functions as a digital badge and hub for worker amenities.

The application enables users to manage guest registration, use building layouts of the premises and pre-order dining from the facility's multiple on-site dining vendors.

Industry-Wide Trends

The deployment of tighter entry controls comes as American companies, particularly those with substantial activities in the city, look to increase security following the shooting of the chief executive of one of the leading healthcare providers in recent months.

Brian Thompson, the boss of the insurance giant, was the victim of the attack not far from the financial district.

Potential Wider Implementation

It is uncertain if the banking institution aims to implement physical identifier entry for employees at its locations in other major financial centres, such as the British financial district.

Employee Tracking Developments

The decision comes within discussion over the implementation of systems to track workers by their organizations, including observing workplace presence.

In recent months, all staff members on flexible arrangements were instructed they have to report to the physical location full-time.

Leadership Viewpoint

The organization's head, the financial executive, has characterized the bank's state-of-the-art skyscraper as a "impressive representation" of the institution.

The banker, one of the influential banking figures, this week warned that the chance of the financial markets experiencing a decline was much more substantial than many investors believed.