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JP Morgan Chase has told staff members working at its state-of-the-art corporate base in Manhattan that they have to submit their biometric data to enter the multi-billion skyscraper.

Change from Optional to Required

The investment bank had previously intended for the enrollment of physical identifiers at its Manhattan skyscraper to be optional.

However, workers of the leading financial institution who have begun work at the new headquarters since August have received electronic messages stating that biometric entry was now "compulsory".

How Biometric Access Works

This security method demands personnel to scan their eye patterns to pass through access portals in the main floor instead of swiping their ID badges.

Building Specifications and Capacity

The main office building, which reportedly cost $3bn to build, will eventually serve as a base for thousands of workers once it is fully occupied later this year.

Protection Reasoning

JP Morgan declined to comment but it is understood that the use of physical identifiers for entry is designed to make the facility better protected.

Exemption Provisions

There are special provisions for specific personnel who will retain the ability to use a badge for access, although the standards for who will use more conventional entry methods remains undefined.

Supporting Mobile Applications

Alongside the introduction of biometric readers, the bank has also introduced the "Corporate Access" smartphone application, which functions as a virtual ID and hub for worker amenities.

The platform allows users to manage visitor access, navigate interior guides of the premises and arrange in advance food from the premises' 19 on-site dining vendors.

Industry-Wide Trends

The implementation of enhanced security measures comes as business organizations, especially those with significant operations in NYC, look to increase security following the incident of the CEO of one of the US's largest health insurers in summer.

The CEO, the head of the insurance giant, was killed in the incident not far from the bank's location.

Additional Office Considerations

It is not known if the financial firm plans to implement the biometric system for personnel at its locations in other important economic centers, such as the UK capital.

Employee Tracking Developments

The move comes during controversy over the use of technology to monitor employees by their organizations, including monitoring workplace presence.

Earlier this year, all the bank's employees on flexible arrangements were instructed they have to report to the office five days a week.

Leadership Viewpoint

The bank's chief executive, the financial executive, has described the company's new 60-storey headquarters as a "impressive representation" of the company.

The banker, one of the global financial leaders, recently alerted that the likelihood of the US stock market facing a downturn was far greater than many financiers believed.