JP Morgan Chase has informed staff moving into its new New York headquarters that they must share biometric data to access the building, a policy shift from earlier plans that had suggested the data collection would be voluntary. Employees who began work at the Manhattan skyscraper since August have received emails stating that biometric access is 'required', according to internal communications seen by the Financial Times.
Biometric access requires staff to scan fingerprints or eyes to pass through security gates, replacing traditional ID badge swipes. The bank’s headquarters, costing an estimated $3bn (£2.25bn), will eventually house 10,000 employees. JP Morgan declined to comment but it is understood the measure aims to enhance security.
Exemptions exist for some employees who can still use badges, though criteria are unclear. At other JP Morgan offices, including London’s Bank Street, biometric enrolment remains voluntary, with hand prints encrypted so the company cannot access the data, similar to Apple’s Face ID system.
The stricter access protocols follow the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson near JP Morgan’s offices last year, prompting US corporations to bolster security. The move also comes amid broader debate over workplace tracking, with JP Morgan recently mandating a full five-day return to the office for hybrid workers.
