🔗 Share this article The Banking Giant Requires Fingerprint or Eye Scans for Corporate HQ Access The financial institution has told staff members moving into its new corporate base in Manhattan that they must share their biological identifiers to enter the multi-billion skyscraper. Move from Discretionary to Compulsory The banking corporation had initially intended for the enrollment of biometric data at its Manhattan skyscraper to be voluntary. Yet, workers of the US's largest bank who have started operations at the new headquarters since this summer have been sent electronic messages stating that physical scan entry was now "compulsory". The Technology Behind Entry This security method requires staff to submit their fingerprints to gain access entry points in the entrance area in place of swiping their ID badges. Office Complex Information The bank's headquarters, which reportedly cost $3bn to build, will ultimately act as a home for ten thousand employees once it is entirely staffed later this year. Safety Justification The financial company declined to comment but it is assumed that the employment of biological markers for entry is created to make the premises more secure. Exemption Provisions There are special provisions for specific personnel who will retain the ability to use a traditional pass for entry, although the criteria for who will employ more traditional ID access remains unclear. Additional Technological Features Alongside the deployment of biometric readers, the bank has also introduced the "Work at JPMC" smartphone application, which functions as a electronic pass and portal for employee services. The platform enables users to manage external entry, use indoor maps of the facility and pre-order dining from the facility's 19 on-site dining vendors. Security Context The implementation of tighter entry controls comes as American companies, notably those with substantial activities in NYC, look to enhance safety following the shooting of the chief executive of one of the biggest American insurance companies in July. The executive, the boss of the insurance giant, was the victim of the attack not far from the financial district. Potential Wider Implementation It is not known if the banking institution intends to deploy the biometric system for employees at its branches in other important economic centers, such as London. Broader Workplace Monitoring Trends The action comes within debate over the employment of systems to track workers by their employers, including observing office attendance levels. Previously, all the bank's employees on flexible arrangements were instructed they are required to come back to the physical location five days a week. Executive Perspective The bank's chief executive, Jamie Dimon, has characterized the bank's new tower as a "beautiful physical manifestation" of the organization. The executive, one of the influential banking figures, recently cautioned that the chance of the US stock market experiencing a decline was significantly higher than many market participants anticipated.