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The financial institution has notified personnel moving into its state-of-the-art corporate base in Manhattan that they have to submit their biometric data to enter the multibillion-dollar structure.

Move from Discretionary to Compulsory

The financial firm had initially intended for the collection of biometric data at its Manhattan skyscraper to be optional.

Yet, employees of the US's largest bank who have begun work at the main office since last month have been sent communications stating that biometric access was now "required".

How Biometric Access Works

Biometric access requires employees to provide their eye patterns to gain access entry points in the entrance area in place of swiping their identification cards.

Building Specifications and Capacity

The corporate tower, which apparently cost $3bn to build, will ultimately serve as a base for 10,000 workers once it is entirely staffed in the coming months.

Security Rationale

JP Morgan did not provide a statement but it is understood that the implementation of biological markers for access is intended to make the facility safer.

Exemption Provisions

There are exceptions for some employees who will continue to have the option to use a badge for admission, although the standards for who will employ more traditional ID access remains unspecified.

Additional Technological Features

Alongside the implementation of biometric readers, the organization has also released the "Corporate Access" mobile app, which acts as a electronic pass and center for staff resources.

The app permits users to coordinate guest registration, use interior guides of the building and schedule meals from the building's 19 restaurant options.

Broader Safety Concerns

The deployment of stricter access protocols comes as business organizations, particularly those with major presence in the city, look to strengthen protection following the shooting of the top executive of one of the US's largest health insurers in summer.

The executive, the leader of the healthcare company, was the victim of the attack not far from JP Morgan's offices.

Potential Wider Implementation

It is unclear if the banking institution intends to introduce the biometric system for personnel at its locations in other major financial centres, such as the British financial district.

Corporate Surveillance Context

The action comes during discussion over the use of systems to track workers by their employers, including tracking office attendance levels.

Earlier this year, all the bank's employees on flexible arrangements were told they are required to come back to the office on a daily basis.

Management Commentary

The bank's chief executive, the prominent banker, has characterized the bank's state-of-the-art tower as a "tangible expression" of the company.

The executive, one of the global financial leaders, recently cautioned that the probability of the US stock market facing a downturn was far greater than many financiers thought.