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JP Morgan Chase has notified staff members working at its new headquarters in Manhattan that they have to provide their physical characteristics to enter the multi-billion building.

Move from Discretionary to Compulsory

The financial firm had initially planned for the collection of biometric data at its new tower to be discretionary.

However, staff of the leading financial institution who have commenced employment at the new headquarters since last month have obtained communications stating that biometric entry was now "mandatory".

Understanding the Biometric System

Biometric access requires staff to scan their eye patterns to enter entry points in the entrance area in place of swiping their access passes.

Headquarters Details

The corporate tower, which apparently was built for $3bn to build, will eventually function as a home for 10,000 workers once it is fully occupied in the coming months.

Protection Reasoning

The banking institution opted not to respond but it is assumed that the employment of physical identifiers for entry is designed to make the premises safer.

Special Cases

There are special provisions for certain staff members who will retain the ability to use a traditional pass for access, although the standards for who will employ more traditional ID access remains undefined.

Supporting Mobile Applications

In addition to the implementation of biometric readers, the organization has also released the "JPMC Work" mobile app, which functions as a electronic pass and hub for worker amenities.

The application permits employees to coordinate guest registration, explore indoor maps of the building and arrange in advance food from the facility's 19 on-site dining vendors.

Broader Safety Concerns

The introduction of stricter access protocols comes as American companies, especially those with substantial activities in NYC, look to enhance safety following the attack of the CEO of one of the US's largest health insurers in summer.

The CEO, the head of the insurance giant, was fatally shot not far from the bank's location.

Additional Office Considerations

It is not known if the banking institution aims to deploy the biometric system for personnel at its locations in other major financial centres, such as the UK capital.

Broader Workplace Monitoring Trends

The move comes amid controversy over the use of technology to track workers by their employers, including observing workplace presence.

Earlier this year, all JP Morgan workers on flexible arrangements were directed they have to report to the office on a daily basis.

Leadership Viewpoint

The bank's chief executive, the prominent banker, has characterized JP Morgan's new skyscraper as a "tangible expression" of the institution.

Dimon, one of the world's most powerful bankers, recently warned that the chance of the American markets facing a downturn was significantly higher than many financiers anticipated.