We asked several of the largest custodians how the COVID-19 outbreak might be affecting them and their work. BNY Mellon is the first out of the blocks in response. A BNY Mellon spokesperson said: "Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees and our clients. Today a substantial portion of our global employee base is working remotely, with the goal of only essential in-office staff remaining onsite to expand social distancing and help mitigate risk of exposure. We remain operational and responsive to client needs during this challenging time."

The employee in question also referred us to the statement from interim CEO Todd Gibbons on the BNY Mellon website, which reads as follows.

"The old saying that ‘true leadership emerges in times of adversity' is on full display in the world today," writes Gibbons. "As the impact of COVID-19 on communities and markets around the world continues to expand, it is impossible to ignore the truly remarkable response from the public and private sectors; government and business leaders; charitable organizations and people everywhere.

"In the midst of these unprecedented circumstances, I have been so impressed by the authentic and powerful acts of collaboration taking place to help stem the spread of this virus and mitigate the negative impacts it may have on our communities, the global markets and the economy.

"Each day, as I speak with employees, clients, business leaders and politicians across parties, I am encouraged by the commitment, focus and genuine desire to partner as we address what is truly a humanitarian crisis.

"In the last few days, we've seen extraordinary actions by the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, state and local governments, and businesses around the world.

"At BNY Mellon, we too, have taken – and will continue to take – actions with the wellbeing of our employees and clients in mind. That includes increasing the number of employees working remotely and enhancing social distancing for essential in-office staff.

"In times like these, the pressure to balance professional and personal obligations can be daunting. That's why we are making every effort to provide added flexibility for our employees, as well as resources to help manage stress and build resiliency.

"These are just a few examples of how people are coming together to rise above a common challenge, and it's inspiring to see. For our part, BNY Mellon will continue to do whatever is necessary to support the wellbeing of our employees, while ensuring service continuity for our clients.

"We understand the critical role we play in the global financial markets, and we are committed to delivering on our promise to our clients. I am incredibly proud of our employees, and thankful for the amazing dedication they've demonstrated during this difficult period.

"Navigating these uncharted waters will require all of us to continue to come together for the common good. Based on what I've seen in our communities – and from government leaders, global regulators, business leaders, and my own BNY Mellon colleagues – I am optimistic that, in time, we will get through this latest trial and emerge stronger and more unified."

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We asked several of the largest custodians how the COVID-19 outbreak might be affecting them and their work. BNY Mellon is the first out of the blocks in response. A BNY Mellon spokesperson said: "Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees and our clients. Today a substantial portion of our global employee base is working remotely, with the goal of only essential in-office staff remaining onsite to expand social distancing and help mitigate risk of exposure. We remain operational and responsive to client needs during this challenging time."

The employee in question also referred us to the statement from interim CEO Todd Gibbons on the BNY Mellon website, which reads as follows.

"The old saying that ‘true leadership emerges in times of adversity' is on full display in the world today," writes Gibbons. "As the impact of COVID-19 on communities and markets around the world continues to expand, it is impossible to ignore the truly remarkable response from the public and private sectors; government and business leaders; charitable organizations and people everywhere.

"In the midst of these unprecedented circumstances, I have been so impressed by the authentic and powerful acts of collaboration taking place to help stem the spread of this virus and mitigate the negative impacts it may have on our communities, the global markets and the economy.

"Each day, as I speak with employees, clients, business leaders and politicians across parties, I am encouraged by the commitment, focus and genuine desire to partner as we address what is truly a humanitarian crisis.

"In the last few days, we've seen extraordinary actions by the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, state and local governments, and businesses around the world.

"At BNY Mellon, we too, have taken – and will continue to take – actions with the wellbeing of our employees and clients in mind. That includes increasing the number of employees working remotely and enhancing social distancing for essential in-office staff.

"In times like these, the pressure to balance professional and personal obligations can be daunting. That's why we are making every effort to provide added flexibility for our employees, as well as resources to help manage stress and build resiliency.

"These are just a few examples of how people are coming together to rise above a common challenge, and it's inspiring to see. For our part, BNY Mellon will continue to do whatever is necessary to support the wellbeing of our employees, while ensuring service continuity for our clients.

"We understand the critical role we play in the global financial markets, and we are committed to delivering on our promise to our clients. I am incredibly proud of our employees, and thankful for the amazing dedication they've demonstrated during this difficult period.

"Navigating these uncharted waters will require all of us to continue to come together for the common good. Based on what I've seen in our communities – and from government leaders, global regulators, business leaders, and my own BNY Mellon colleagues – I am optimistic that, in time, we will get through this latest trial and emerge stronger and more unified."