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JP Morgan Chase has informed employees moving into its state-of-the-art main office in Manhattan that they are required to submit their biometric data to enter the high-value structure.

Change from Optional to Required

The financial firm had previously intended for the collection of employee biometrics at its new skyscraper to be voluntary.

Yet, employees of the biggest American bank who have begun work at the main office since this summer have been sent emails stating that biometric entry was now "compulsory".

How Biometric Access Works

Biometric access requires employees to scan their fingerprints to gain access access portals in the main floor rather than scanning their identification cards.

Office Complex Information

The corporate tower, which reportedly required an investment of $3 billion to construct, will eventually serve as a workplace for thousands of workers once it is entirely staffed later this year.

Safety Justification

The financial company opted not to respond but it is believed that the use of physical identifiers for admission is designed to make the building more secure.

Special Cases

There are exemptions for some employees who will continue to have the option to use a traditional pass for entry, although the requirements for who will utilize more traditional ID access remains unclear.

Supporting Mobile Applications

Complementing the implementation of biometric readers, the bank has also released the "Work at JPMC" mobile app, which functions as a virtual ID and portal for worker amenities.

The platform allows employees to coordinate guest registration, explore indoor maps of the building and arrange in advance meals from the facility's 19 food service providers.

Broader Safety Concerns

The introduction of stricter access protocols comes as US corporations, especially those with major presence in NYC, look to increase security following the shooting of the top executive of one of the US's largest health insurers in recent months.

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

Future Expansion Possibilities

It is uncertain if the banking institution aims to deploy the biometric system for employees at its branches in other major financial centres, such as the UK capital.

Broader Workplace Monitoring Trends

The decision comes during discussion over the implementation of digital tools to monitor employees by their companies, including monitoring office attendance levels.

Previously, all the bank's employees on mixed remote-office plans were told they have to report to the workplace on a daily basis.

Leadership Viewpoint

The organization's head, the prominent banker, has described JP Morgan's state-of-the-art 60-storey headquarters as a "beautiful physical manifestation" of the organization.

The banker, one of the world's most powerful bankers, this week warned that the chance of the American markets experiencing a decline was much more substantial than many market participants believed.