Mandatory scans | JPMorgan imposes compulsory biometric access for staff at new NYC HQ

JPMorgan Chase has instructed staff working at its new Manhattan HQ to submit their biometric data for building access, in a change from its previous voluntary approach.

Employees who began working at the bank’s 270 Park Avenue skyscraper in August were told that biometric verification is now “required,” according to internal communications seen by the Financial Times. The technology allows staff to enter through security gates using fingerprint or eye scans rather than ID badges.

The bank declined to comment on the new requirement.

Security and convenience goals

The 60-story, 2.5 million-square-foot building - described by chief executive Jamie Dimon as a “beautiful physical manifestation” of JPMorgan - will eventually house around 10,000 employees when fully open later this year. The project cost an estimated $3billion.