Arden Partners has slumped again Friday after the stockbroker warned it is "unlikely" to meet market expectations for the year ended 31 October.The equities business has been "challenging" since the firm's trading statement at the end of June and the corporate finance pipeline remains satisfactory, but the timing of deals "uncertain".There have also been big payoffs for staff the company has let go in recent months.Arden, which has grown the number of corporate clients to 41 recently, said Jeremy Grime has assumed full responsibility for the company as chief executive following receipt of regulatory approval.