HSBC Increases Surveillance Amid Worker Concerns

HSBC is set to enhance staff and building surveillance by implementing biometric access for its facilities and cameras, prompted by rising worries about extensive monitoring of corporate employees. This information comes from internal documents reviewed by Reuters.

Under its “Global Security Strategy,” HSBC aims to quadruple the number of cameras in new buildings in London, which is notably substantial, considering this could equal about half of what’s currently in place at Canary Wharf, as seen in a presentation last May.

The new London office is projected to feature about 1,754 cameras, in contrast to roughly 444 currently installed at its global headquarters.

Additionally, the bank plans to nearly double its biometric access system, ramping up from 350 to 779 devices in the new building.

These initial plans suggest that accessing HSBC’s main buildings in both the UK and the US will require biometric identification, including full recognition.

According to the presentation materials, access will be “digital,” with employees expected to use their mobile phones to manage entry badges.

HSBC, which stands as Europe’s largest bank, employs over 210,000 individuals globally, with more than 31,000 in the UK alone.

Most workers will likely utilize personal mobile devices equipped with corporate software for entry, a shift that has faced some resistance among staff according to sources familiar with the situation.

As of late last year, compliance with the biometric and digital access initiatives, which began rolling out in 2022, was still low among UK employees.

A representative from HSBC mentioned, “The safety and security of our people are at the forefront of everything HSBC does.” They went on to explain that the bank consistently assesses its buildings for risks and vulnerabilities, committing resources to the latest technology to safeguard everyone involved.

While companies are increasingly monitoring staff as they transition to hybrid work models, the advances in technology facilitate more detailed oversight.

Particularly in the banking sector, there is enhanced monitoring to ensure compliance with conduct regulations, shaped by the National Privacy Act, which dictates what businesses can monitor.

Concerns about this broader surveillance and its impact on employee rights and welfare were highlighted in a report by the Institute of Public Policy in May.

In July, HSBC asked senior staff to return to the office at least four days a week beginning in October. Previously, the bank hadn’t enforced global guidelines on workplace attendance, which vary by country.

With the demand for office space on the rise again, HSBC has opted to expand its presence in Canary Wharf, as reported by Reuters.

Interestingly, the documents obtained by Reuters did not include information about the new office space planned for Canary Wharf.

Diane Marchena oversees this security initiative, reporting directly to Susie White, but neither offered comments for this piece.

Israeli Surveillance Tools

HSBC has partnered with the Israeli firm Octopus since at least 2024 and already utilizes some of its surveillance tools in the UK and Hong Kong, with plans to expand the deployment to India and Mexico this year.

Israel is recognized as a significant exporter of surveillance technology, and Octopus claims to sell its products to buyers in 28 different nations. Reports suggest its tools are being used by various entities, including the Israeli government, monitoring several cities and even EU-funded refugee camps in Greece.

Octopus did not respond to Reuters’ request for a comment.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for HSBC noted that the bank would not comment on specific vendors or suppliers.

Trading Floor Surveillance

The boost in video surveillance for HSBC’s new London office includes monitoring at trading floor entry and exit points, as revealed in the May 2025 presentation, along with the use of artificial intelligence analytics.

The project’s initial budget for monitoring has recently surged to about $15 million.

The presentation underlined a particular “theft incident,” noting a rise in CCTV capabilities on the work floor and recent crime data that indicated more robbery cases within a mile of the new office.

Those familiar with the circumstances indicated that such thefts at HSBC locations tend to be relatively minor.