Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone has rolled out an integrated trading system for companies and institutions in the city to handle financial transactions.

By using the accounts system, companies can settle off-shore trades, and invest in local and foreign currencies, as well as access trading platforms involved in commodities.

"This will further expand support for innovative cross-border investment and financing services," Zhang Xin, deputy director at the Shanghai branch of the People's Bank of China, said at a State Council Information Office briefing on Friday.